Police make largest ever maritime drug bust in BVI
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed a significant cocaine seizure just off Hodges Creek, Tortola, late on Tuesday, March 5.
While the exact quantity of cocaine seized has not been disclosed, authorities described it as the largest maritime drug bust in the history of the British Virgin Islands.
The seizure took place during a coordinated operation between the RVIPF and US Customs Border Control after 8 p.m., when they intercepted a high-speed vessel in the area.
“During the operation, officers discovered 60 bales of cocaine and various other belongings on the intercepted vessel. The occupants abandoned the vessel at Hodges Creek Marina and escaped on foot, and despite an extensive search in the area, they remain at large,” stated the police in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The vessel involved in the smuggling attempt is now in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins highlighted the significance of the joint operation and the unprecedented sea seizure, stating, “The successful interception underscores our unwavering commitment to eradicating illicit activities in the region.”
The RVIPF has urged the public to come forward with any information related to the incident.
“Persons are encouraged to confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas call 1-284-800-8477 with the relevant information; or contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Every piece of information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove crucial in advancing the ongoing investigation,” the police said.
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So the US helicopter will keep disturbing us without mercy. hmmm
So rather cocaine wars run rampant or helicopter noise putting a stop to said crime?
Give me the cocaine please.
We don’t do cocaine over here so let them keep their noisy helicopter over there for them the drugs start to go there. Them need to protect their borders not ours. The drug not staying in bvi so let them protect their borders when it starting to go over there.
Plenty of these charter boats are a front to run drugs.
Imagine if passengers including tourists lives were put at risk if these so-called charter boats got shot up.
don’t charter boats with sails or slow engines. Your post suggesting undercover charters is reprehensible and a slur on the honest charter yacht industry in the BVI. You should be arrested for libel!
If you know something, say something!
No 8pm this was after 12mn
I waiting on Mika Barry to talk
Despite:
– All the drug bust in the past
– A former Premier having been convicted of conspiracy to import drugs into the U.S. and now sitting in a Miami Federal lockup awaiting sentencing
– Many having been killed or imprisoned over drugs
Despite it all, it appears the drugs are still flowing in and out of this country and there are people who are still willing to assume the risk to move drugs.
In the past, the streets had it that the drugs were being moved in the West and Sea Cows Bay, now it appears that activity has shifted to the East. What is going on there? What has happened to the movement in the West/Sea Cows Bay?
I have said this before, the greatest threat to this country is the naro-trade. To fight this will require lots of money and manpower.
It’s a good thing the U.S and the BVI are teaming up to fight this as both countries are being affected with the US perhaps being affected most as most of these drugs no doubt are intended for US consumers.
The problem the BVI has is the impact this naro-trade will or is having on the country. If we get to the point whereby crime increases and it becomes unsafe for people to visit here, one can only expect a severe hit to the economy.
Relatively speaking compared to other Caribbean islands, the BVI is still safer than other jurisdictions, but for how long?
Can the US BVI partnership stem the tide of this menace? Seems like more and more drugs are being confiscated with each bust.
Who are these local people involved in this trade? Can this country get a hold of it? It’s left to be seen.
I’d say this, the BVI cannot afford to lose this war.
If it does, and the BVI becomes a narco-state, which honestly I don’t think we will get there with this kind of law enforcement effort, but if it becomes one given that no matter the amount of busts of the past, the trade seems to becoming more prevalent, then I shudder to think what living in the BVI would be like in the future.
How did we get here from peaceful sleepy villages? How did we get here? What can we look forward to in the future?
,
Pushing P
We need barges!! Now!!
Make sure you catch and arrest the men. They are the key. Make them talk and follow the source with the Americans and let the Americans take out the source.
We all know they are good at being in other people’s business. They should put it to good use now.
The UK needs to step up now too. This is one of their territories and they have great resources in this space. Just need to send down 5 seasoned professionals with the right equipment and they will find these people. I know living here in the UK, so many will jump at the opportunity to have a stint living in the BVI and catching drug dealers.
Premier, make the deal with the governor now!
I don’t know why people believe that people from countries like the UK would jump at the opportunity to live on a very small island to work. Most people in the UK are probably used to cold weather and might not be interested in the change in weather or living on such a small island especially after what happened to a UK detective.
How long before the boat in police custody is stolen or destroyed… again?
And how long of a headstart you thing the bad eggs give these man why they always seem to escape on foot?
Closest guess wins, Betting closes at midnight.
Charter boats, expats businesses, some locals with good money and others are the ones investing in the trade bucause it has a very HIGH return.
As it is well known, it is those with ample monetary funs can even think of indulging in the purchase shipment, smuggling and distribution phases.
However, one segment of that population was formely legitimized with the visit of the highest personality of the land upon taking taking up responsibilities.
There is no clandestine group running drugs in the teerritory. Everyone who can is invilved
A simple solution would be to ask the UK Navy to establish a presence and coordinate with USCG to stop the drug trade.
The issue is the BVI reluctance to protect their borders and not capturing the participants when they go ashore.
The only effective means would be to blockade these VI.
Police / air ambulance helicopter with night vision and thermal camera Royal navy crew kill two birds with one stone.
https://www.instagram.com/lindaikejiblogofficial/p/CwkVBHxN_nT/?img_index=1
Question:
Is the Hodges Creek Marina referred to the one located at Maya Cove, or is it the marina at East End?
I ask because the waters off Maya Cove were a favoured drop off for drugs way in the 1980’s.
If you see something, say something. These people do not just disappear. They are seen and they are known.
Check the fire man he know all the answers….