The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested and charged Malachy Payne, 25, of Mount Healthy, and a 17-year-old male from North Sound, Virgin Gorda, in connection with separate firearm-related incidents during recent police operations across the Territory.
On July 17, officers responding to reports of suspicious activity in Road Town recovered a loaded Glock 19 pistol. The 17-year-old was subsequently charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License and Unlawful Possession of Explosives. He was one of two juveniles intercepted during the operation.
In a separate incident, Payne was taken into custody during a stop-and-search operation in the Huntums Ghut area. He was charged with Keeping a Firearm Without a License and Unlawful Possession of Explosives, following the recovery of a firearm and ammunition by police.
Both individuals have been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison as investigations continue.
According to the RVIPF, these arrests form part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms and ammunition from the Territory. As of mid-July, a total of 14 firearms and 995 rounds of ammunition have been recovered.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to report any information related to illegal weapons or suspicious activity by contacting the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
