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.