The six individuals charged are, from top left: Cesar Diaz Abrahim, Joel Santana Santos and Termija Toribio Vasquez. From bottem left: Albert Mejia Ortiz, Candido Quezada and Ronaldo James. Photo: RVIPF

More than 750 kilograms of cocaine were seized, and six people were arrested and charged during a joint operation on the vessel in Virgin Islands waters early this week. Photo: RVIPF

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), a coordinated multi-agency operation conducted between December 8 and 9, 2025, involving His Majesty’s Customs, the RVIPF, and external law enforcement partners from United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) and the Joint Regional Command Centre from the CARICOM region. Photo: RVIPF

The illegal narcotics were reportedly found on a vessel named 'C Elizabeth II. Photo: Team of Reporters

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), in a press release today, December 11, 2025, a coordinated multi-agency operation conducted between December 8 and 9, 2025, involving His Majesty’s Customs, the RVIPF, and external law enforcement partners from United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) and the Joint Regional Command Centre from the CARICOM region, resulted in the arrest of six males and the seizure of 772.4 kilograms of cocaine.

Police said the joint operation was initiated after intelligence was received indicating suspicious maritime activity within VI waters.

A targeted response led to the interception of a vessel, where the drugs were recovered and the suspects apprehended.

Charged

The individuals charged with Importation of a Controlled Drug and four counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply are: Francisco Mejia Ortiz, 21, of the Dominican Republic; Joel Santana Santos, 39, of the Dominican Republic; Jermife Toribio Vasquez, 40, of the Dominican Republic; Cesar Diaz Abrahim, 30, of Trinidad & Tobago; Ronald James, 49, of Trinidad and Tobago; and Candido Rois Quezada, 42, of St. Kitts & Nevis.

They remain in custody pending their appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

Police did not disclose the name of the vessel on which the illegal narcotics were found; however, sources have indicated to our News Centre that the vessel is named ‘C Elizabeth II’.

Operation ‘involved significant risks’- Ullger

Interim Ag. Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger commended the participating teams for their professionalism and swift action, which he said involved significant risks, noting that this recovery represents a significant disruption to transnational criminal activity in the region.

“This seizure is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together with precision, intelligence, and determination. The removal of more than 770 kilograms of cocaine from circulation represents a major blow to organised crime. I commend every officer and partner agency involved for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to protecting the Virgin Islands.”

The RVIPF urges the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity. Persons with information are encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368 9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or (284) 800-8477 if calling from overseas.