Crime/Police
Governor John J. Rankin Calls For Heightened Security At Anegada Airport
British Virgin Islands Governor John J. Rankin has expressed serious concern over the alarming prevalence of guns and drugs within the territory and called for heightened security measures at Anegada’s Auguste George Airport.
The statement was made during a visit to Anegada on Friday, September 22, where he examined evidence of recent illicit drug-related activities, including a plane that this week landed without authorisation and was set on fire at the airport on the sister island.
Governor Rankin stressed the urgent need to bolster security at the airport to combat the illicit transportation of drugs through Anegada, and reiterated his commitment to working closely with the authorities in the ongoing fight against the importation of illegal drugs and firearms.
“We must urgently increase security at the airport to tackle its misuse of Anegada for the illegal transportation of drugs. I will work together with the National Security Council, the RVIPF (Royal Virgin Islands Police Force), and the Airports Authority to achieve this,” he said
During his visit, the governor was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of Police St Clair Amory and representatives of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority.
While acknowledging the positive progress made in terms of drug and gun seizures, Governor Rankin expressed deep concern about the extensive scale of the problem.
“Whilst the growing number of seizures of drugs and guns is encouraging, the scale of the problem is deeply worrying. The security of the Virgin Islands is my top priority.”
The territory is now a significant hub for drug transshipment due to its close proximity to the United States. In August, a plane and a significant quantity of cocaine were seized during a joint British Virgin Islands and U.S. drug enforcement operation at the airport in Anegada.
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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