Shakhoy Penn, 29, of Scatliffe Alley, Tortola, has been charged with Possession of a Prohibited Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Explosives. Photo: RVIPF

The Glock 17 handgun allegedly found in the possession of Shakhoy Penn. Photo: RVIPF

The extended magazine with 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition recovered by Police on May 29, 2026. Photo: RVIPF

The latest firearm recovery, according to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in a press release today, June 4, 2026, occurred on Friday, May 29, 2026, following a rapid police response in the Road Town area after reports of suspected gunfire.

Police said officers who were in the vicinity responded immediately and observed a male acting suspiciously.

"The individual was detained and searched, resulting in the recovery of a Glock 17 handgun fitted with an extended magazine with 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearm was subsequently secured, and the suspect was arrested and taken into police custody."

According to the RVIPF, Penn remains in custody awaiting his appearance at the Magistrate's Court.

8 illegal firearms recovered for the year- RVIPF

This latest seizure marks the eighth firearm recovered by the RVIPF so far this year. Police said since the start of the year, officers have recovered two firearms in January, two in March, one in April, and three in May. Some of these recoveries resulted in arrests and charges that have been previously publicised, while others were recovered during proactive policing operations with no suspect identified at the time, the RVIPF stated in the press release.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool commended the officers involved in the recoveries and emphasised the Force's continued commitment to removing illegal firearms from the streets.

"Every firearm removed from circulation represents a potential act of violence prevented. It is particularly concerning that some of these weapons qualify as prohibited weapons because they were modified to operate as automatic firing. The continued recovery of illegal weapons demonstrates the vigilance of our officers and our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. We encourage members of the public to continue sharing information with the police, as community support remains vital in our efforts to combat gun-related crime."

The RVIPF continues to urge anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or criminal activity to contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS), or overseas at 284-800-8477.