Cocaine-laden vessel was chased into VI waters; 4 DR men charged- Acting CoP



Four men from the Dominican Republic have since been charged by ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) with Illegal Entry and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply.
This is according to Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline E. Vanterpool at a press conference at Road Town Police Station on June 30, 2025.
“Information firsthand is that the vessel was in the St Martin area and heading into the BVI waters. We firmly believe, based on the intelligence we got, is that because of them being chased, it is how they ended up in the BVI waters,” Ms Vanterpool stated.
“There is no evidence to suggest that they were coming here, but they ended up here after they were being chased, and as a result of encountering difficult waters, it is how it ended up on the rocks,” Ms Vanterpool added.
7 detained, 4 charged
Ms Vanterpool further disclosed that the four men who were charged were nationals of the Dominican Republic. Seven persons were detained, but only four were charged.
“There were other persons who were picked up for questioning, whether they were on the same vessel, that is still an ongoing investigation at the moment, Ms Vanterpool stated.
Approximately 1,440 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $144 million, was retrieved.
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.
Ms Vanterpool said 91kg of the drugs was preserved to support ongoing prosecution.


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