Two men were arrested and another fled during a stop-and-search operation last Thursday on Virgin Gorda, police said.

After police stopped a vehicle with three men inside, they found a rifle, a pistol, ammunition, and a “substantial quantity of drugs” believed to be cannabis, according to a Tuesday statement from the Police Information Office.

Akeem Joseph, 37, of St. Croix, and Kyreek Gardner, 22, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, were jointly charged with possession of a prohibited firearm; keeping an unlicensed firearm; two counts of unlawful possession of explosives; unlawful possession of cannabis; and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to supply, police said. As of Tuesday, the pair remained in custody until the next available sitting of the Magistrates’ Court, according to the PIO.

Escapee

The third occupant of the vehicle escaped on foot and remained at large as of Tuesday, police said.

Police described him as five feet tall with a dark skin complexion and plaited hair.

At the time of his escape, he was wearing a red top, blue jeans, and a gold chain, they said.

Reporting tips

Anyone who can provide information about the incident or the identity of the escapee is asked to call the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or 1-284-800-8477 from overseas or to contact the police Intelligence Unit directly at 368-9339.