During a Sept. 12 operation on Virgin Gorda targeting people suspected of being in the territory illegally, Joint Task Force officers issued three summonses for immigration-related offences and police arrested and charged two residents wanted in separate matters, government announced last Thursday.

“Operations such as these prove that when our law enforcement agencies share intelligence and work together there is greater success,” said JTF Chairman Wade Smith, who is also the customs commissioner.

After investigating 45 people to verify their compliance with the territory’s immigration laws, officers found three individuals who warranted the summons, according to Chief Immigration Officer Ian Penn.

“It is important for persons throughout the territory to be aware that the Immigration Department with the assistance of the other agencies of the Joint Task Force will continue to carry out operations of this kind, not only to eradicate illegal activity in our communities, but to apprehend persons found guilty of residing illegally in our territory,” Mr. Penn added.

Acting Head of the Virgin Gorda Police Division Saif Kaddoura said the operation sent a “strong, reassuring message to the Virgin Gorda community that the Joint Task Force stands in maintaining law and order.”

The JTF includes customs, police and immigration officers.