Two men have been charged following a boat chase early Tuesday morning that ended on Beef Island with the seizure of a speedboat and more than 500 kilograms of suspected cocaine, police said.
Vibert Morgan and Okello James, both 34-year-old Belle Vue residents, were charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another and unlawful possession of a controlled drug, police said.
They added that additional charges are pending.
The two men were scheduled to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at its next available sitting, according to the Police Information Office.
The arrest resulted from an early morning joint operation by United States federal agents and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force involving both air and marine support, police said.
The operation culminated with a boat chase that ended on Long Bay, Beef Island.
On Tuesday morning, residents complained about being awakened in the night by the sound of a helicopter flying low over the East End area.
A video posted to Facebook showed law enforcers working together to remove a speedboat from the beach at Long Bay.
Police said investigations are ongoing.