Two men, both 18 years old, have been charged following the discovery of illegal firearms and ammunition during a police operation in the Diamond Estate area early morning Friday October 10.
According to a statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), officers on mobile patrol stopped a vehicle in the area and conducted a search, which led to the recovery of two Glock pistols and 34 rounds of ammunition.
Charged are Jahvin Chinnery, 18, of Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, and Yrvin Stephens, 18, of Lower Estate. Both face charges of Keeping a Firearm Without a License, Unlawful Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
The two remain in police custody pending their appearance before the Magistrate’s Court.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool commended the officers involved in the operation, noting that their vigilance played a key role in removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of these weapons from our streets is a direct result of the vigilance of our officers who remain committed to safeguarding our communities,” Vanterpool said. “Illegal firearms have no place in the Virgin Islands, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who choose to possess them.”
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to share any information related to illegal firearms or suspicious activity. Reports can be made confidentially to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (local) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
