Six men were arrested and charged after 772.4 kilograms of cocaine was seized from a vessel intercepted this week in Virgin Islands waters, police said this afternoon.
The seizure came during a multi-agency operation on Monday and Tuesday involving VI police, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Joint Regional Command Centre operated under the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), according to the Police Information Office.
“The joint operation was initiated after intelligence was received indicating suspicious maritime activity within BVI waters,” police said in a press release issued shortly after noon. “A targeted response led to the interception.”
Charges
The six men were charged with importation of a controlled drug and four counts of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, police said.
Three are from the Dominican Republic: Francisco Mejia Ortiz, 21; Joel Santana Santos, 39; and Jermife Toribio Vasquez, 40.
Two others — Cesar Diaz Abrahim, 30; and Ronald James, 49 — are from Trinidad and Tobago, while the sixth — Candido Rois Quezada, 42 — is from St. Kitts and Nevis, according to police.
As of Thursday afternoon, all six remained in custody pending their appearance at the Magistrates’ Court, police said.
‘Major blow’ to crime
Interim Police Commissioner Richard Ullger praised the operation and acknowledged the risks to the officers involved.
“The removal of more than 770 kilograms of cocaine from circulation represents a major blow to organised crime,” Mr. Ullger said in the press release. “I commend every officer and partner agency involved for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to protecting the Virgin Islands.”