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UPDATE: 60 bales of cocaine seized following boat chase- RVIPF

- occupants of boat are still at large
According to reports, a helicopter belonging to US Customs and Border Patrol was also involved in the operation on March 5, 2024. Photo: VINO/File
Police reportedly detained the vessel that was pursued in a joint operation last night, March 5, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters
Police reportedly detained the vessel that was pursued in a joint operation last night, March 5, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters
Information reaching our newsroom has indicated there was a late-night operation by law enforcement authorities from the Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands last night, March 5, 2024. A vessel being pursued ran aground in the Fat Hogs Bay area and the occupants allegedly escaped. Photo: VINO/File
Information reaching our newsroom has indicated there was a late-night operation by law enforcement authorities from the Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands last night, March 5, 2024. A vessel being pursued ran aground in the Fat Hogs Bay area and the occupants allegedly escaped. Photo: VINO/File
EAST END, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has said the joint operation between the US Virgin Islands and local authorities last night, March 5, 2024, has resulted in the most substantial sea seizure to date, as some 60 bales of cocaine were seized.

The RVIPF in a statement today, Match 6, 2024, said the the joint operation was executed on Tuesday, March 5, after 8:00 pm. It said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and US Customs and Border Control successfully intercepted a go-fast vessel just off Hodges Creek, Tortola.

60 bales of cocaine seized

“This united effort has resulted in the most substantial sea seizure to date.

“During the operation, officers discovered sixty bales of cocaine and various other belongings on the intercepted vessel. The occupants abandoned the vessel at Hodges Creek Marina and escaped on foot, and despite an extensive search in the area, they remain at large.”

Police said the go-fast vessel is now securely in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.

‘Largest sea seizure to date’- CoP Collins

Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins emphasized the significance of the joint operation and the unprecedented sea seizure stating: “This commendable joint operation resulted in the largest sea seizure to date. The successful interception underscores our unwavering commitment to eradicating illicit activities in the region.”

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is urging the public to provide any information related to the incident. Persons are encouraged to confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas call 1-284-800-8477 with the relevant information; or contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

“Every piece of information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove crucial in advancing the ongoing investigation,” the RVIPF stated.

See previous article published March 6, 2024

USVI & VI authorities pursue vessel in late night operation in VI waters

Information reaching our newsroom has indicated there was a late-night operation by law enforcement authorities from the Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands last night, March 5, 2024.

According to reports, a helicopter belonging to US Customs and Border Patrol was also involved in what appeared to be a high-speed chase on sea in the East End area.

Our newsroom was informed that law enforcement authorities were also monitoring on land.

It has been alleged that the vessel being pursued ran aground between Fat Hogs Bay and Hodges Creek, where the occupants reportedly managed to evade capture.

A search continued into the wee hours of March 6, 2024; however, it is unclear if anyone was apprehended.

The boat was reportedly detained.

More details to follow.

66 Responses to “UPDATE: 60 bales of cocaine seized following boat chase- RVIPF”

  • Hotmess (06/03/2024, 08:01) Like (22) Dislike (11) Reply
    My heart. Lord Jesus I was so scared. That took place right over my head
    • Don’t Worry (06/03/2024, 10:35) Like (47) Dislike (7) Reply
      Mika Barry will tell us who it is next week
    • Another hit on the Economy. (06/03/2024, 13:59) Like (9) Dislike (19) Reply
      The USVI guide them to Tortola so we can use all of our resources on them and all we get is a good name..
      • big D (10/03/2024, 13:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        STOP TALKING NONSENSE LOOK AT WHERE THE BOAT IS LOCATER IN BVI WATERS WHO WAS SAILING AND WHERE THE BOAT WAS COMING FROM.IF THE BOAT WAS COMING FROM US IT WOULD BE STOP BEFORE IT PASS ST J. AND THE US COUSTOMS CANNOT MAKE ANY ONE TO COME INTO BVI WATERS BECAUSE WHEN U GET CAUGHT U ARE TRYING TO GET AWAY. AND IAM FROM BV.
    • Undercover Charters (06/03/2024, 17:37) Like (11) Dislike (19) Reply
      Plenty of these charter boats are a front to run drugs.

      Imagine if passengers including tourists lives are put at risk if these so-called charter boats get shot up while on a charter.
  • father (06/03/2024, 08:19) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    That was scary. I literally sit in my closet on my shoes. Double check my doors. Lord Jesus
  • jack (06/03/2024, 08:33) Like (65) Dislike (12) Reply
    The US CBP was in tortola/Hodges creek long before east end police could have showed up,even to that the bvi coast guard run there boat on the reef without giving case to anything,if tola police was ready for action like the USVI they could have apprehend the suspect,but bvi police idle too much...
    • Local (06/03/2024, 12:06) Like (47) Dislike (7) Reply
      The bvi pòlice with all the man power is the weakess link as far as assistance and capture
      • U really expected them (06/03/2024, 12:36) Like (44) Dislike (5) Reply
        To give chase when some of them involved. They working for the bigger man too.
    • Not true (06/03/2024, 14:25) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      Check your 'facts'
    • Liiric (08/03/2024, 00:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      First we have to come back to history
      They have been other siezes cocaine before
      Any one remember the 20’ container they catch 2 or 3 years ago
      On the 2000 it was a big fight with guns and many cars with container passing in the middle of town
      Finally the truth was that the police was fighting for the traffickers have to leave more coca in Tortola. The police at east end they are always sleeping
  • Unusual noise (06/03/2024, 08:35) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Heard what sounded like a very low flying plane in the Sea Cows Bay Area in middle of the night
  • usa (06/03/2024, 08:48) Like (28) Dislike (78) Reply
    Leave we drugs make it run
    Our little island about to sink
    Economically!
  • My BVI (06/03/2024, 08:50) Like (32) Dislike (16) Reply
    i hope they catch them.
  • See (06/03/2024, 09:03) Like (44) Dislike (15) Reply
    Just blow them out of the water next time. Send a message.
    • WHAT!!! (06/03/2024, 12:27) Like (38) Dislike (3) Reply
      Too nany times criminals escaping why were there not our police following on land?
  • vipd (06/03/2024, 09:08) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    Land, air and sea and them still get away!?? JAAHH JAAH
  • Mike Larry (06/03/2024, 10:09) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Promise I didnt tell my police parna dem about this drop my boys. Yea i know you sold me out to CBP when I was tryna to do a quick run STJ but that dont mean I is a sell out. If you geh caught, sorry, will make sure the biz moving fwd is divy up’d to yall’s opp.
  • Well (06/03/2024, 10:25) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
    if the boat was captured then they got a lead ( at least - check the area where the chase begun thoroughly for anything 5hat was dumped overboard and OFCOURSE / WHO THE BOAT FAH , but then again all of that should have already been in progress , since you all let them get away
  • @ see (06/03/2024, 11:35) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    I totally agree with you , when they or others are asked to stop by the police ( YOU ) ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP / plain and simple / FAILING TO DO SO , THEN U TEK WAH U GEH
  • hard wood (06/03/2024, 12:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Them man passing them self as I blog what a thing
  • Local Resident (06/03/2024, 12:39) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    The RVIPF is on fire at the moment. Well done to all.
  • Real (06/03/2024, 12:44) Like (7) Dislike (69) Reply
    PLEASE TELL THE US TO GET OUT OF OUR COUNTRY
  • ... (06/03/2024, 12:58) Like (5) Dislike (53) Reply
    The bvi is being invaded by the UK and us police bad news
    • to ... (06/03/2024, 13:57) Like (42) Dislike (3) Reply

      The BVI Is being invaded by the UK. Hilarious. That's like saying the USVI is being invaded by America. D*mb @$£.

    • @... (06/03/2024, 14:21) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply

      Dem need to invade yuh m***da

    • @... (06/03/2024, 18:45) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
      Perhaps if you stop sending boatloads of poison and illegal immigrants to damage their country they will stop pushing back.
      • Eldread (07/03/2024, 09:21) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
        I am amazed that these USA custom won't catch the white man in america that has these boats killing to bring that junk, but catch the black guys in the Caribbean but don't touch whitey in america, let the thing through so our BVI Caribbean police can burst them like you did fahie.
      • Capitalism (07/03/2024, 12:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        When there is demand, there will be supply.
  • jokes (06/03/2024, 13:06) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    Notice how they completely leave out our Customs Team in these busts.
  • ok (06/03/2024, 13:32) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply

    LO****K u did not have enough information to tell w*** b*** to don't make that run. And all the drug and no one gets hold them police going to take most of that.

  • bad example (06/03/2024, 13:35) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is as a result of bad examples set by those we entrust to lead. No nation will ever rise higher than it's leaders. Righteousness will always exalt a nation, but sin will bring reproach to any people. Father in Heaven please forgive us, heal your land and expose all corrupt practices. In Jesus Name. Amen
  • @Well (06/03/2024, 13:46) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    Nothing is going to come out of this “NOTHING” they got the boat a the drugs horray the owner going say it was stolen he got money he will just pass some change keep it hush hush an they all roaming free an feeling unstoppable it will just happen again….
  • Miss Juliette (06/03/2024, 13:54) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The bad boys are being hit hard, ohhh God.
  • lord o. (06/03/2024, 13:56) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    Another More death...These people ain got brains for this Drug thing. They put all their Eggs in one Basket..At least 2 Speed Boats. One head for Bitter End one head for Norman Island no way one helicopter can follow all two Boats.
    • True (06/03/2024, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      They smart. The boat that git away had more drugs on it. They ain't gonna catch them. Why would I give police information when they working for the cartels
    • Class Is in Session (06/03/2024, 15:27) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Listen up class, take notes and pay attention. Professor Ah-Ah in is here.
    • Ron (07/03/2024, 11:06) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Too many bales on that boat and I know all could not fit in the bow. I said the same thing. Put 30 on 1 boat and 30 on the other. The chopper cant catch 2 boats going in different directions. Them dope boys could have had 30 in their possession now instead of zero.
  • Slow. (06/03/2024, 14:00) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    This was international news yesterday!
  • No (06/03/2024, 14:01) Like (47) Dislike (2) Reply
    The BVI is being invaded by Colombian drug cartels who would not hesitate to behead islanders at any time if they are crossed. You should get on your knees and thank God the US and UK are fighting these evil people.
  • …. (06/03/2024, 15:49) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is the boat registered in the bvi…has it been reported stolen
    • Jay (07/03/2024, 11:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      The owner will get back his boat. You will see this boat on the sea again soon.
  • crazy (06/03/2024, 16:34) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s so wild scary & crazy these people be running drugs in boats registered to there suppose to be legitimate business at night then carrying us in day an tourist like if you are doing such stuff why not get a boat specifically for that? this is very scary they really reckless but they been getting away with it an they surely won’t stop send help father
  • l (06/03/2024, 16:37) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hope to see some heads coming off this bust
  • skuntington (06/03/2024, 17:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    once them drones were deployed... remember when they spotted jetskis being used to smuggle? lol
  • question (06/03/2024, 17:37) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    They don't have a quieter chopper? This one too loud disturbing my sleep twice now
  • FIRE (06/03/2024, 17:39) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    If these money powder still moving then free the Drew.
  • WE CAN CHAT SH*T (06/03/2024, 17:51) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    BUT THOSE WHO THINK THEY GOT AWAY MIGHT BE SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS SOONER OR LATER ( aka ) DISAPPEARING , THEM COLOMBIANS DON'T PLAY WITH THEIR MONEY , THEY HAVE TO ANSWER TO THE BIGGER BOSSES , WHO IS NOT GOINT TO BE PLEASED / SO THE REAL DRAMA HAD ONLY JUST BEGUN ????
  • wise up (06/03/2024, 19:10) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Well let see,ayo can’t blame my boy now cause he on lock down#drew
    • @wise up (06/03/2024, 20:52) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      All when he lock up he paying to kill man he say he have millions u talking about he lock up. Maybe he him self blog that . He have the jail buy out
  • Ho (06/03/2024, 21:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wise up
    Exactly one lock down
    More to come
  • Condemned (06/03/2024, 21:27) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    to death are the alleged drug smugglers who beached their drug laden boat and fled on foot. Cartels don't like to lose product so the price for incompetence is death. Expect some mysterious murders or disappearances in the next few months. Life in the pirate world is short.
    • What ah shame (07/03/2024, 18:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      lol yall be on some diff shhh in these blogs lol yall be worrying bout the wrong thing sometimes ask your self where your next meal coming from tomoro or next month?… or are you going to live and survive this year cause lately the grim ripper coming n ppl dying silent in their homes in accidents why seek to say someone will kill someone because of an incident that gots nothing to do with you that’s crazy lol but yeah im living in the BVI for the pass 23 years and the ppl im seeing today are nothing like the long ago old folks
  • vi (07/03/2024, 05:40) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't waste fuel chasing them, sink them, we are sick of this foolishness in our Territory.
  • Hmm (07/03/2024, 05:43) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Can I get one bail please?
  • Lord (07/03/2024, 10:43) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Why are we hating on the drug dealers so much ? Drugs helped to built this country.. and y'all just trying your best to sink it. The UK, US, and all the corrupt White People just hate that they are not eating a big piece of the food as well.

    Free up the drugs...Food has always passed through/.. there has only been violence since the white man started having a say.
    • MOMO (07/03/2024, 15:15) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      When your family get hooked on drugs, and turn MUMU, and need help, will YOU step up and help? Do you see what happens to people when they are HOOKED on hard drugs? Who benefits and suffers from overdoses? Nothing beats honest earning. Apparently people like you who support criminal behavior, don’t care who is slaughtered in the streets, because of drugs running.
      • @momo (07/03/2024, 17:36) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        We do not snort coke, we just transport it for the hooked honkies and we get paid well!!
  • ….v (07/03/2024, 19:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pushing P…the trade much continue
  • Simple policing (08/03/2024, 06:43) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This million dolllar boat involved does not sleep in the water or at any marina at any time whatsoever, there is cct camera all over bvi now, check the cct footage see who put it in the water and when, you might not get him for smuggling or drug trafficking but u can arrest him on “being concerned”with importation. The report after the fact that the boat was stolen is rhogwash, officers your job is not that hard you may not have enough evidence for all who escaped but the boat owner needs to do better than my boat was stolen.
  • @Simple Policing (08/03/2024, 14:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You ain’t even lie to think on it how come the police ain’t think on that for real then again the police them just like drew they be protecting these guys an that boat doesn’t sleep in the water at all I always admire that boat wen I see it passes on the road the colors very distinctive it’s very pretty if I was a drug pin I was not using what makes my daily bread to do the dirty work I would buy a dummy or decoy boat that now ones knows cause from you see a boat you know who it’s for an which side of town then you automatically click an be like it makes sense do better guys


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