Former legislator Irene Penn O’Neal and two of her children were among four people formally charged with firearms offences after multiple search warrants were executed on Tortola on Friday morning, police announced Saturday.
Charged with unlawful possession of firearms were Ms. Penn O’Neal, 55; her daughter Zubida O’Neal, 21; her son Cordell O’Neal, 29 — all of Pockwood Pond; and Shameek Grant, 21, of Johnson Ghut, according to Police Information Officer Diane Drayton.
They were among nine people taken into custody as a result of Friday’s operation. Three were released, and two others were charged in connection with other matters.
Malik Maduro of Long Bush was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, and Keejan Thomas, 22, of Belmont Estate, was charged with burglarising three businesses on Frenchmans Cay this week, according to police.
All of the suspects except Mr. Thomas were granted police bail.
During the operation, police said, they seized firearms, ammunition and suspected stolen goods.
CGB arrest
In addition to these arrests, a West End police officer also helped detain and charge a man in the Cane Garden Bay area who was seen leaving a closed business premises, according to police. He allegedly attempted to escape by running into the sea but was followed by the officer and apprehended.
The suspect, identified as Reynaldo Hewlett, 32, of Anderson Estate, was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary, police said. He remains in police custody.
Police Commissioner David Morris noted his gratitude for the actions of the officers involved in the operation.
“Many officers took part in the operation yesterday, working together under the command of Detective Superintendent Alexis Charles,” Mr. Morris said. “As a result of his leadership and the planning undertaken by the Force Intelligence Unit, all the officers who took part were able to work together effectively and efficiently to arrest the persons, search a number of premises and seize suspected stolen property, drugs and firearms.”