Acting Interim Commissioner of Police, Richard Ullger has said that the Virgin Islands can be considered a transit point for human trafficking and drug trafficking because of its location in the Eastern Caribbean. Photo: Facebook

The Acting Interim Commissioner of Police, Richard Ullger, identified the territory as a transit point for both human trafficking and drugs. He said the VI’s position within the Eastern Caribbean places it along routes that may be used to move illegal commodities and people between countries. Photo: Internet Source

Mr Ullger made the statement during the Talking Points Programme on ZBVI 780 AM Radio on Monday, September 14, 2026, where he discussed the dangers faced by law-enforcement officers who patrol the territory’s waters and intercept vessels involved in illegal activity.

“Our people perform a very dangerous job out at sea, particularly at nighttime, where the weather conditions can be very, very rough,” Ullger said.

He explained that officers are required to intercept drug smugglers and individuals attempting to bring illegal migrants into the territory. 

According to the Commissioner, these operations can be extremely dangerous, particularly when they take place at night and in rough sea conditions.

VI’s location creates risk

The Acting Interim Commissioner identified the territory as a transit point for both human trafficking and drugs. He said the VI’s position within the Eastern Caribbean places it along routes that may be used to move illegal commodities and people between countries. 

“Whether we like it or not, we are part of the Eastern Caribbean,” Ullger said, adding that the region has a market for illegal drugs.

Local drug market 'insignificant'

Ullger acknowledged that there is a market for drugs in the territory, but said it is small compared with the market in the United States.

"I’m not going to lie and say there’s no market here, but the market is insignificant compared to the market that you have in the US.”

He added that the VI is therefore used mainly as a transhipment point, where drugs may pass through the territory on their way to larger international markets.

“So, yes, it’s a transhipment point,” the Commissioner said.

More action needed

While Mr Ullger said he believes the authorities are doing a good job in responding to the threats, he acknowledged that more must be done to strengthen the territory’s security.

“Are we doing a good job? I think we are, but more needs to be done without a shadow of a doubt—always.” 

The Commissioner’s comments underscore the continuing challenges facing the VI’s law-enforcement agencies as they work to prevent the territory from being exploited by criminal networks. 

Mr Ullger said the risks faced by officers at sea make maritime enforcement a demanding but necessary part of protecting the territory from human trafficking and drug trafficking.