Police seize AK-47 rifle and ammo! Two nabbed

Two suspects have been arrested after police conducted raids at two separate locations on Tortola this week and recovered a high-powered weapon and a pistol.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said officers of the Criminal Investigations Department seized an AK-47 rifle and a quantity of ammunition on Sunday. The gun and ammo were recovered from a home in Free Bottom. One male was arrested and charged in connection to the find.

Keron Hodge, 21, of Purcell Estate, was charged with one count of possession of a prohibited weapon and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. Police said the suspect remains in custody until his appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

Police reportedly conducted a spontaneous operation in the East End area of Tortola yesterday and recovered one semi-automatic pistol along with a significant quantity of ammunition. The RVIPF said it arrested one suspect and took the individual into custody.

Police said a suspect was later arrested and taken into custody but gave no details about the person that was nabbed concerning the offence. Officers said the investigation remains active and indicated that no further information can be disclosed at this time.

The RVIPF noted that it continues to do its part to reduce the number of illegal firearms on the streets and to arrest those in whose possession they are found.

Police also appealed to the public to get involved in saving lives and keeping the community safe by providing information on suspected persons or the locations where these firearms are being hidden or imported.

The RVIPF said persons can confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line from overseas at 800-8477 (TIPS) with the relevant information or call 1-284-800-8477 or contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.