Crime/Police
Fishermen Charged in $34 Million Drug Bust
A joint operation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Unit and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol late Thursday night resulted in the interception of a vessel carrying an estimated $34 million worth of cocaine.
The operation, which took place shortly after 11 p.m. on May 30, led to the discovery of multiple packages suspected to contain the illicit drug.
The three men aboard the vessel, identified as Julio Cabrera Martinez, 40, Tomas Balbuena Acosta, 55, and Remigio De Los Santos, 62, have been formally charged with Possession of a Controlled Drug and Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply.
Commissioner Collins of the RVIPF remarked on the significant seizure, stating, “This significant bust underscores the RVIPF’s ongoing commitment to disrupting drug trafficking operations in the Virgin Islands.”
The suspects remain in custody awaiting their appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.