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'I don't have info' on where drugs seized are destroyed- Premier

- as large drug busts being shipped out of territory
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has revealed that the VI government has no idea where drugs from drug seizures are being sent when they are shipped out of the territory to be destroyed. Photo: RVIPF
Premier Andrew A. Fahie made the announcement during last night’s Tuesday, March 16, 2021, edition of VIP Radio on ZBVI 780am, following questions from one male caller who referred to outsourcing practice as ‘fishy’. Photo: Facebook/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie made the announcement during last night’s Tuesday, March 16, 2021, edition of VIP Radio on ZBVI 780am, following questions from one male caller who referred to outsourcing practice as ‘fishy’. Photo: Facebook/File
Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews on February 8, 2021, had confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the 2,353 kilos of record cocaine that was discovered in Balsam Ghut on Friday, November 6, 2020, has been shipped out of the territory for destruction. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews on February 8, 2021, had confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the 2,353 kilos of record cocaine that was discovered in Balsam Ghut on Friday, November 6, 2020, has been shipped out of the territory for destruction. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has revealed that the Virgin Islands (VI) government has no idea where drugs from seizures are sent when they are shipped out of the territory to be destroyed.

Hon Fahie made the revelation at last night’s Tuesday, March 16, 2021, edition of VIP Radio on ZBVI 780 AM, following questions from one male caller who referred to outsourcing policy as ‘fishy,’ given VI has a large incinerator.

VI couldn’t destroy drugs in ‘one go’ – CoP Matthews   

Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews on February 8, 2021, had confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the 2,353 kilos of record cocaine that was discovered in Balsam Ghut on Friday, November 6, 2020, had been shipped out of the territory for destruction.

While the Commissioner did not reveal the destination of the exported drugs over security reasons, he said the haul was shipped away in January 2021 after the Senior Magistrate gave a destruction order on the load.

“I would say as Premier of this country, that is outside my pay scale. I wouldn't have known anything about that, that would have been something directly under the Police and the Governor, being that security is under them directly,” Premier Fahie said in response to the caller.

When questioned on why the drug had to be shipped out of the territory, Mr Matthews had told VINO it was because the VI does not have the facilities to destroy the drugs in “one go”.

Only Gov & Top CoP can say – Premier

Meanwhile, Premier Fahie while, encouraging the caller to ask the Commissioner directly about the whereabouts of the drugs, reiterated that both he and his Ministers have nothing to do with the destruction of drugs.

“I don't have that information, because it would not have been something that would involve the Premier or any Minister or elected official or whatever… so that would be a more question directly along their lines [Governor & Commissioner] so I really don't have the answer for that,” Premier Fahie said.

Hon Fahie said he suspects; however, that the arrangement to export the drug for destruction would be one that is legally sound.

20 Responses to “'I don't have info' on where drugs seized are destroyed- Premier”

  • talk tola (17/03/2021, 08:47) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    some say them drugs belonged to the feds . some say the drugs wasn't destroyed but was sold to get funds who knows at the rate they going tortola is f***ed.
  • resident (17/03/2021, 09:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Could anyone foresee any issues if it wasn't dealt with by the UK? Just asking for a friend.
  • Shaft (17/03/2021, 09:13) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    AM JUST CURIOUS , BURNING THOSE DRUGS HERE WON'T THAT AFFECT THOSE PEOPLE DOWN WIND OF OUR LOVELY INCINERATOR ?
  • Funny (17/03/2021, 09:30) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    looks like the COP got his retirement sorted like a BOSS!
  • Rasta Lives (17/03/2021, 09:39) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is so funny that every move made the those we voted in political office must be documented however no one seeks to question the movements of the head of police or that department
  • wow (17/03/2021, 09:43) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Can't cocaine be destroyed by dumping way out in the Ocean? Why would they burn it in the first place?
  • robocop (17/03/2021, 09:46) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Problem with trying to deal with it here is that 2.5 tonne of coke turns up at the incinerator but only 2 tonne gets destroyed. The other half tonne will evaporate into thin air just before it hits the furnace
  • Rubber Duck (17/03/2021, 10:00) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    I wonder why they don’t tell him.
  • Intel, USVI (17/03/2021, 10:04) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    That information stays confidential. There is one somewhere in the USVI or Puerto Rico that is responsible for destroying drugs and guns, the exact location, know one knows. The security is like FORT KNOX.
  • NezRez (17/03/2021, 11:35) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Isn't it strange that the Ones in charge if our islands don't know where these seized drugs and guns are going to be destroyed? I don't think they are destroyed, but recirculated.
  • hgfhgfhgfh (17/03/2021, 11:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
  • just asking (17/03/2021, 12:10) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    How can they Destroy the evidence while the case isn’t finished as yet?
  • what (17/03/2021, 12:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Could he be any more ignorant ???
  • Hell no (17/03/2021, 13:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the people and the government authority need also some proof of it being as said by the head of security ..for this is a democracy state this not communist we the people there both work for. Both the elected and the appointed...point blank ...other wise for a democracy state it illegal by protocol...we the people need to start to stand up for our selfs
  • Curious (17/03/2021, 15:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    How can you destroy evidence before a case is called
  • hgfghfghf (17/03/2021, 18:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  • @ RASTA LIVES (17/03/2021, 19:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    YOU NEED TO CUT OFF THOSE RAGS ON YOUR HEAD - EVERYDAY WE GETTING INFO ON WHATS GOING ON IN THE UK BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
  • @ hell no/ yes (18/03/2021, 08:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    how we can change for the better if the people who are in power / strategic positions are serving ( 2 ) masters and what is so APPALLING is those HOLY PASTORS who is LIVING a lavish life style ARE so QUIET on what THE bvi has become


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