6 charged following 772.4 kg drug bust
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.
.jpg)
2.png)
.jpg)
1.jpg)
Follow Us On
38 Responses to “6 charged following 772.4 kg drug bust”
Records will indicate that without the USVI attention and effort,the BVI will overlook the consistent illicit traffic of human and killer substances and while partnering with the maggots..A rotten place awaits waiting for earned KARMA, these VI.
Trump will leave these BVI for his last Caribbean hurrah, a welcome exposure and relief for the USVI and the mainland USA.
Look at it, the nationals is from the 2 Republics one republic down south and the other Republic up north using our waters
Some of us think only Local people involved
Thanks to USVI,yet again. this cargo has been intercepted and one group of purveyors thwarted.
Yet some people continue to blame ‘Spanish’ individuals for all criminal activity, even though it is well known that certain BVI nationals have paid for drug transportation and facilitated human smuggling.
We also see local young men involved in armed robberies, carrying guns, and targeting businesses — but somehow the focus is still placed on blaming one community.
The truth is that crime has many sources, and it is unfair and inaccurate to point fingers at an entire group while ignoring wrongdoing within our own society.”**