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.