Crime/Police
Governor Praises Marine Officers for Successful Drug Interception
His Excellency the Governor John Rankin personally commended the six officers of the RVIPF Marine Branch for their bravery and tactical skills displayed during a high-sea chase and interception of two boats carrying illegal drugs off the coast of Anguilla last Friday.
Speaking to the officers aboard the St. Ursula at the Police Marine Base, the Governor expressed his warm congratulations. He highlighted the significance of the successful seizure, which showcased the increased capacity of the marine unit, thanks in part to support from the United Kingdom. The Governor emphasized the importance of cooperation between Overseas Territories and international partners in combatting the illicit drug trade.
The operation involved two RVIPF vessels, each with a team comprising a sergeant and five constables. They responded to a call for assistance in a joint international anti-narcotic smuggling operation led by U.S. law enforcement authorities and the UK National Crime Agency.
Ultimately, the two vessels intercepted the two boats within Anguillan territorial waters, apprehending all six individuals on board and confiscating 60 bales suspected to contain cocaine. This seizure ranks among one of the largest water-based cocaine seizures in recent history.
The success of this operation exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement entities throughout the Caribbean, as they continue to disrupt and dismantle organized criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime/Police
Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.
According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.
De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.
“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.
The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
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