Crime/Police
Multi-agency operation nets $144 million in cocaine, seven arrested
A joint operation involving multiple local and international law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of seven individuals and the confiscation of approximately 1,440 kilograms of cocaine—an estimated $144 million in street value.
The sweeping intelligence-led operation was carried out between June 17 and 18 by the Department of Immigration, His Majesty’s Customs, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), with support from external partners. The effort followed weeks of investigation into suspected drug trafficking within BVI territorial waters, according to officials.
On June 18, officers discovered a crashed vessel off the coast of Virgin Gorda, where packages of cocaine were found scattered in the surrounding area. What followed was a high-risk recovery effort that tested the limits of law enforcement personnel.
“Officers were required to descend approximately 200 feet down steep cliffside terrain to access packages wedged between rocks and reef,” the RVIPF said in a statement. “Several officers sustained injuries during the recovery and were treated on Virgin Gorda and Tortola.”
Given the remote location and condition of the recovered narcotics, authorities—after consultation with the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions—opted to destroy the majority of the drugs on-site. The controlled burn was conducted in the presence of independent witnesses unaffiliated with law enforcement and documented through photographs and video footage at critical stages.
Despite the destruction, officials assured that the integrity of the investigation remains intact. “Sufficient evidence, including samples of the narcotics, has been retained for prosecution purposes,” the RVIPF said.
The seven individuals arrested face charges related to drug trafficking and immigration violations. Their identities and nationalities have not yet been released. The investigation remains active.
This operation, spearheaded by the Joint Task Force, underscores ongoing efforts by BVI authorities to crack down on the territory’s use as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking.
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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