Purcell man charged with drug possession

Royanson Arrington, 32, of Purcell Estate was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of controlled drugs after he was arrested earlier this week.

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), acting on information received, arrested multiple persons on Wednesday, February 14, after they intercepted a vehicle in Fish Bay and uncovered illegal drugs.

Police did not disclose the quantity of drugs that was discovered but suggested it included cocaine and marijuana. Arrington remains in custody pending his appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

Arrington is no stranger to law enforcement and was arrested just over four years ago on identical charges. In addition to that arrest, Arrington was sentenced to 36 months in prison for theft in 2015 and has two prior theft convictions from 2007 and 2013.

Meanwhile, Arrington’s arrest comes amid heightened tension over an apparent escalation of serious crimes in the territory.

Just last week, a daring daylight robbery was executed at the Aladdin jewellery store in Road Town by four masked men who were armed with high-powered weapons.

Police have not announced any progress thus far with that incident.

Some residents organised a march and shared a petition with Governor Daniel Pruce over the state of crime in the territory and the need for armed police officers to patrol the streets of Road Town.

The National Security Council (NSC) recently announced that there will be increased foot patrols in Road Town following the recent robbery. The NSC also commended the forthcoming addition of 30 police officers to the RVIPF.