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.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.
The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.
“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.
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