1,440 kilos of cocaine with estimated street value of $144M recovered on VG- RVIPF
The recovered drugs have an estimated street value of $144 million, the RVIPF stated in a press release late Monday, June 23, 2025.
According to the RVIPF, the intelligence-led operation was launched on June 17 following investigations by the Joint Task Force (JTF) into suspected drug trafficking within the Virgin Islands (VI) waters.
Several officers injured
On June 18, 2025, officers discovered a crashed vessel off the coast of Virgin Gorda and recovered large quantities of cocaine scattered in the surrounding area. Seven individuals were arrested in connection with drug trafficking and immigration offences.
As part of the recovery, officers executed a challenging mission involving a 200-foot descent down a steep cliff to retrieve packages lodged between rocks and reef near a local bay.
A number of officers sustained injuries during the operation and were treated on Virgin Gorda and Tortola.
Drugs destroyed on site
Due to the steep, inaccessible terrain and the deteriorated condition of the drug packages, authorities made the decision to destroy the bulk of the narcotics on-site. This decision was taken in consultation with the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The controlled destruction of the drugs was carried out through burning and was witnessed by independent observers unaffiliated with law enforcement. The entire process, according to the RVIPF, was documented with video footage and photographs at key stages. Sufficient evidence, including retained samples of the drugs, has been preserved to support ongoing prosecution.
‘Our officers faced significant risks’- Acting CoP Vanterpool
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool praised the bravery and dedication of the officers involved and lauded the strong collaboration between local and international partners that contributed to the success of the operation.
“This operation is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through collaboration, courage, and commitment,” said Commissioner Vanterpool. “Our officers faced significant risks, but their determination to protect these islands from the scourge of drug trafficking never wavered. I thank every agency involved for their unwavering support and shared dedication to safeguarding our borders and communities.”
The RVIPF urges the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Persons with information are encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or if overseas to (284) 800-8477.
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16 Responses to “1,440 kilos of cocaine with estimated street value of $144M recovered on VG- RVIPF”
Oh the irony. Like y'all ain learn? Well free drew then lolo
Wow!, 2,880 lbs snached. that's a bid amount, if true.
May God by the loving mercy of His grace help us here in the B.V.I. this will caused more deaths.
Thank you RVIPF.
I can see members of the young members of the public dislike when do your jobs especially when it comes to Coco
You guys video record, and photography every step and they still have a problem with it. When you look at profiles of those who has an issue you can see common traits from gold chains to scandalous women , smoking etc
I just wanna say don't mind the negativity just do y'all work and shows a lot that USA is willing to trust out local law enforcement in teaming up with drug/human trafficking to me that speaks volumes of those who work in specific areas to be trusted to get the work done
Our youths are truly lost. Women and men .