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Customs promises increased marine patrols to crack on trafficking

The previously damaged vessel Predator has been reintroduced to the Customs fleet. (GIS photo)

Her Majesty’s Customs is promising increased marine patrols targeted at cracking down on illicit trafficking in the territory.

This promise was made following the reintroduction of the vessel M/V Predator to the Customs fleet after undergoing repairs.

‘Predator’ received substantial damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017 so the other remaining vessel, M/V Vigilante, was made to shoulder the workload.

But now that Predator is back online, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Clinton Romney, said the department expects to “work closer to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking that has plagued not only the Customs department, the Immigration department and the police department but the wider territory”.

Chiming into the discussion, Commission of Customs Leslie Smith added: “First and foremost, we have to focus on safety and security of our borders to ensure that the residents and visitors of the territory can sleep comfortably at night. We cannot do that unless we have the right resources to do so.”

Meanwhile, Lettsome and his team have received commendations from Financial Secretary Glenroy Forbes for thei ability to keep their ‘heads above water’ despite the unavailability of necessary resources.

Forbes also commended the previous government for prioritizing border security by funding the repair of M/V Predator despite their financial challenges.

The vessel was dedicated at the Elisabeth-Ann Harris Memorial Marine Base last Thursday.

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11 Comments

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  1. Devon says:

    They need to clean up the whole back area of the marine base… it is disgusting !

    Like 15
  2. hmm says:

    is the department looking locals???? very interested

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  3. TOP Gun says:

    Don’t forget Gun control at our borders, firearms getting in too easy.

    Like 12
    • @Top Gun says:

      I’m with you on that. But the only way they can kind of fix the problem is they have to intersep every cargo ship bound for Tortola while in route before the Cargo ship dock in Port.

      Like 8
      Dislike 1
  4. @Top Gun says:

    Even if there was a zero tolerance to firearm, drugs and human smuggling, the current law enforcement strategy, efforts and tactics do not suggest any seriousness in curbing either or.

    It is now common street knowledge, for example, the major retailers of clothes, cosmetics and other goods in the territory, they and others, are involved in the illegal firearm trade.

    If its on the street, it must have reached the higher ups of law enforcement.

    The problem is, it is politics, money, greed and corruption as usual, from the top down.

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
  5. Heck yeah says:

    Everyone knows the weapons is broken down and packed in Furniture that is being shipped to the BVI. I agree the higher up’s is the ones calling the shot. These little gangsters in the BVI don’t have the money nor the common sense to have guns shipped to the BVI.

    Like 10
    Dislike 2
  6. CW says:

    The problem is how loose the borders are between USVI and BVI. One or two guns is easy to sneak in while everyone looking at go-fast boats with kilos lol

  7. US says:

    Yep, the guns is broken down and packed in Furniture, stoves and fridges bound for Tortola. Customs in Tortola is knee deep in that S**t.

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