A man was arrested early Saturday morning by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) after being found in possession of an illegal firearm during a security operation connected to the British Virgin Islands’ annual festival.
According to an official police statement, officers first observed the suspect in the Festival Village area of Road Town, where he was reportedly acting in a manner that suggested he might be armed. Due to the size of the crowd, police opted to monitor the individual until he moved to a less populated location.
The suspect was later approached outside a nightclub on the outskirts of Road Town, where officers conducted a search. The search resulted in the discovery of a semi-automatic pistol and several rounds of ammunition. The individual was taken into custody without incident.
This seizure marks the fifteenth illegal firearm recovered by the RVIPF in 2025. Authorities report that the total number of rounds of ammunition seized so far this year now exceeds 1,000.
The operation was part of an enhanced policing strategy implemented during the festival period, aimed at addressing various forms of unlawful behavior, including the misuse of alcohol and drugs, which police say are contributing factors to violent and antisocial conduct.
In a statement, Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool confirmed that additional law enforcement resources have been deployed in response to public concerns related to crime and disorder during major events. She commended the officers involved and emphasized the role of community cooperation in ongoing crime prevention efforts.
The RVIPF continues to encourage the public to report any information related to illegal firearms or suspicious activity. Reports can be made directly to the Intelligence Unit at (284) 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS), or at (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
