Early on the morning of March 11, police carried out an operation that led to the arrest of two men and two women and the seizure of illegal guns, ammunition and drugs, they said the next day.
Following “targeted searches” at two residences, officers recovered an AR-15 rifle, a nine-millimetre Glock pistol, 52 rounds of ammunition, and 260 grams of cannabis, according to the Police Information Office, which did not disclose the location of the residences.
During the operation, four people were taken into custody for questioning, and subsequent investigations led to charges.
Raheem Blyden, 32, of Crabbe Lot, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon; keeping an unlicensed firearm; three counts of possession of explosives; and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another, according to police.
Shaika Jeffers, 31, Ayana Lennard, 29, and Chad George, 21, all of Sophie Bay, were charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of explosives, police said.
Eight guns seized
Police have now seized a total of eight firearms this year, and acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said they are treating firearm crime as a matter of urgency.
“Although we are just ten weeks into the year, we have recovered more ammunition than there are days in the year,” she said. “While this reflects the dedication and commitment of the [police] officers, it also highlights the alarming presence of illegal firearms and ammunition in our territory. This reality should serve as a wake-up call to all law-abiding citizens.”
She called on the community to unite in assisting the police.
“Only through collective action can we ensure that the BVI remains one of the safest places to live, work and vacation,” she added.
