Crime/Police
Drug Planes Continue to Land At Anegada Airport, Sources Say
Anegada Airport in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) continues to serve as a transshipment point for drug traffickers, despite recent busts. According to residents, more than four suspected drug planes have landed at the airport between mid-August and September 19.
On August 19, a joint operation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) resulted in the seizure of an unregistered aircraft containing a large quantity of cocaine.
Following the seizure, an extensive manhunt was launched on the 15-square-mile island to locate individuals associated with the Cessna. While several properties were searched and individuals initially arrested, they were later released without charge as the RVIPF continued their investigations.
Residents claim that since mid-August, at least three more suspected drug planes have landed at Anegada’s Auguste George Airport during late nights and early mornings to offload suspected cocaine. They express their frustration at the disruption of their sleep caused by the loud sounds of the planes.
With local and US Coast Guard units monitoring the waters and intercepting numerous “fast boats” carrying large quantities of cocaine, the territory is witnessing an increase in unauthorized aircraft landings.
In July, law enforcement officers intercepted a boat in the eastern end of Tortola after a high-speed pursuit, resulting in the recovery of a significant quantity of cocaine. Several individuals were arrested and charged with trafficking offenses. However, the captured drug vessel was later deliberately set ablaze at the Road Town Police Station.
In the most recent incident on September 20, an abandoned unauthorized plane was discovered on fire at Anegada’s Auguste George Airport around 3:30 a.m. Officers from the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service stationed on the island managed to extinguish the flames, leaving behind a heavily damaged aircraft for further investigation. Sources suggest that the burnt plane was part of another drug operation, and individuals associated with it are suspected to have escaped via the surrounding sea channels.
Visible high-speed tracks on land and a vehicle allegedly linked to the operation are currently under investigation.
Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing leads and conducting a thorough investigation into all of these incidents.
The BVI has gained a reputation as a drug transshipment port due to its geographic location in relation to major drug-producing and drug-consuming regions. Its extensive coastline, secluded anchorages, and porous borders make it an attractive location for drug traffickers looking to transport large quantities of drugs, particularly into the United States.
In June, Governor John Rankin expressed concerns about the ongoing flow of drugs through the territory, highlighting that gangs involved in the drug trade are often responsible for a significant portion of gun crimes.
To combat this ongoing issue, a drug-fighting strategy is in place, which involves assistance from the US Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Agency.
The RVIPF emphasizes the importance of community safety and security and assures that all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation.
A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”
JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.
A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.
According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.
“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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