News
Drug bust in progress in East End; Several arrested
EAST END, Tortola, VI - Reports reaching our News Centre indicate that a drug bust is in progress in East End today, June 18, 2025.
Opposition Leader questions omission of HM Customs from enforcing maritime laws
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—In yet another heated legislative debate, Opposition Leader Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), on Monday March 31, 2025, launched a blistering critique of a sweeping new Maritime Enforcement Bill, slamming several of its provisions as a dangerous overreach of authority that could trample on civil liberties and place unchecked power into inexperienced hands.
Gov't considering integrating Immigration & Customs- Premier Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively considering the integration of His Majesty's Customs and the Immigration Department into a unified Virgin Islands Joint Border Control Force, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) confirmed during a sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Proposed law enforcement merger not likely to happen- Hon Penn
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI—Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) of the National Democratic Party (NDP), in criticising the proposed merger of certain law enforcement agencies in the Virgin Islands (VI), said it is impractical and legally impossible without major legislative overhauls.
HM Customs announces rebirth of K9 Unit
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- His Majesty’s Customs recently honoured the achievements of its K9 Unit and its handlers at a graduation ceremony earlier last week.
Businesses complain of long Customs Dept delays in clearing packages
PORT PURCELL, Tortola, VI- Since the alleged unwarranted removal of the Customs Commissioner Wade N. Smith last year, there has been a backlog in getting one’s package through the Customs Department at the Port Purcell, Tortola facility.
HM Customs makes drug bust @ Purcell facility
PURCELL ESTATE, Tortola, VI - Information coming into Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) is that the HM Customs Department of the Virgin Islands (VI) has reportedly uncovered a significant amount of cannabis at Port Purcell.
UPDATE: Gov’t denies HM Customs had planned to strike
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following our article this morning, July 19, 2023, that some staff of HM Customs were planning to strike due to non-payment of increments, the Government of the Virgin Islands has issued a brief statement denying the planned industrial action.
HM Customs investigation: Police make another arrest without charges laid
PORT PURCELL, Tortola, VI – As the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continues its investigations into HM Customs on the direction of the United Kingdom (UK) retired judge Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom, another person has been arrested but again had to be released with charges.
Customs K9 died after left in vehicle
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It is unclear whether anyone was held culpable; however, word only now getting to our news centre is that a K9 utilised by HM Customs reportedly died after it was left in a vehicle for some time.

