Crime/Police
Governor John J. Rankin Calls For Heightened Security At Anegada Airport
British Virgin Islands Governor John J. Rankin has expressed serious concern over the alarming prevalence of guns and drugs within the territory and called for heightened security measures at Anegada’s Auguste George Airport.
The statement was made during a visit to Anegada on Friday, September 22, where he examined evidence of recent illicit drug-related activities, including a plane that this week landed without authorisation and was set on fire at the airport on the sister island.
Governor Rankin stressed the urgent need to bolster security at the airport to combat the illicit transportation of drugs through Anegada, and reiterated his commitment to working closely with the authorities in the ongoing fight against the importation of illegal drugs and firearms.
“We must urgently increase security at the airport to tackle its misuse of Anegada for the illegal transportation of drugs. I will work together with the National Security Council, the RVIPF (Royal Virgin Islands Police Force), and the Airports Authority to achieve this,” he said
During his visit, the governor was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of Police St Clair Amory and representatives of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority.
While acknowledging the positive progress made in terms of drug and gun seizures, Governor Rankin expressed deep concern about the extensive scale of the problem.
“Whilst the growing number of seizures of drugs and guns is encouraging, the scale of the problem is deeply worrying. The security of the Virgin Islands is my top priority.”
The territory is now a significant hub for drug transshipment due to its close proximity to the United States. In August, a plane and a significant quantity of cocaine were seized during a joint British Virgin Islands and U.S. drug enforcement operation at the airport in Anegada.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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