Crime/Police
Boat Involved In Major Drug Bust Torched At Road Town Police Station
In an unexpected twist, one of the two boats seized in the July 21 drug bust following a high-speed chase in open waters has been set ablaze in the Road Town Police Station.
Residents woke up to the news that the blue and white vessel ‘Donzi’, which is at the centre of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force drug trafficking investigation, was deliberately set on fire last night, July 22.
Two persons, including a woman, are in police custody. A large quantity of drugs, two illegal firearms and ammunitions were also seized by investigators.
A RVIPF statement said on July 21 officers were on patrol off the eastern end of Tortola when they spotted a suspicious speedboat and gave chase.
While in pursuit in partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection, a second smuggler vessel slammed into the police boat resulting in several officers being injured.
Both boats were intercepted and a significant quantity of drugs and an illegal firearm was seized.
The suspects were interrogated and police then searched several properties in the British Virgin Islands and found a second firearm and a significant amount of ammunition.
Investigations are ongoing.
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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