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UPDATE - Baughers Bay drug bust: US intel helped in arrests

- Accused men offered bail, but passports surrendered
Officers found 2.52 kilogrammes of cannabis in two white buckets in a brown box. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
Persaud photographed on May 18, 2012 was also offered $40,000 bail signed surety. Photo: VINO
Persaud photographed on May 18, 2012 was also offered $40,000 bail signed surety. Photo: VINO
Three of the accused men (from left to right) Richards, Donovan and Frett. Photo: VINO
Three of the accused men (from left to right) Richards, Donovan and Frett. Photo: VINO
The vessel has been seized by Customs. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
The vessel has been seized by Customs. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
Two civilians were taken to the Road Town police station. Photo: VINO
Two civilians were taken to the Road Town police station. Photo: VINO
Police conducting searches on boxes from the mailing service. Photo: VINO
Police conducting searches on boxes from the mailing service. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Intelligence from the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) law enforcement helped Virgin Islands Police and Customs officers to uncover some 2.52 kilogrammes of cannabis on May 18, 2012 at the Baugher’s Bay dock, and the arrest of Khoy Frett, Wilbert Donovan, Suruj Persaud and Gavin Richards.

The four men appeared in the Magistrate’s Court, Prospect Reef this afternoon May 21, 2012 where they pleaded not guilty to being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug; importation of a controlled drug; smuggling; unlawful possession of cannabis; being engaged in smuggling and failing to declare upon entry.

However, Richards, who was found with 10 grammes of cannabis, pleaded guilty and was fined $800 or two months in prison. He has until 2 p.m. tomorrow, May 22, 2012 to pay the fine.

Principal Crown Counsel, Tiffany Scatliffe informed the court that the information from the USVI prompted the Police and Customs officers to conduct a joint operation surveillance of the Baughers Bay area on May 18.

According to Scatliffe, the accused men were seen entering the Baugher’s Bay lagoon on a 34 foot white and blue power vessel. “Intelligence received confirmed that the vessel came from St. John.”

While the men were unloading the packages into a van that belong to Khoy’s Mailing Service, Police approached and identified themselves. Asked if they had anything illegal on their person or possession, Frett allegedly replied that he ran a mail service and “don’t know what customers have in their mail.”

Officers then asked Frett, the owner of Khoy’s Mailing Service, for the Customs declaration form, and in doing so, he allegedly told officers that the one he used was dated May 14, 2012, which the Principal Crown Counsel pointed out was valid for 24 hours.

During the search of over 50 packages, law enforcement officers found the illegal substance in two white buckets in a brown box. When arrested and cautioned, the four men made no reply but during an audio-cautioned interview, Frett allegedly stated that the box was one of five that was placed last minute on the boat in St. John.

Meanwhile, the other accused men stated that they had no idea what was in the box. A minor was also on the vessel.
The street value for the cannabis is $20,520.

Crown outlined specific bail conditions
Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens offered Frett $50,000 bail of which $25,000 has to be cash; Donovan $40,000 signed surety; Persaud $40,000 signed surety and extended Richards’ $25,000 Police bail. They all have to report to the Road Town Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

But prior to that, Principal Crown Counsel Scatliffe was adamant that while she was not objecting to bail, one of the stipulations was that their passports had to be surrendered. Magistrate Stephens agreed, despite arguments by Stephen Daniels, who is representing Frett, Persaud and Donovan.

The Principal Crown Counsel had also asked for each of the defendants to have two signed sureties, who had their own land and no financial obligations to the bank. She had also requested a cash component be attached to the bail offers.

In his bail application, Daniels pointed out that Frett, 42, needed his passport since he was the point person in dealing with the authorities at the St. John Post Office.

According to Daniels, the nature of his client’s business meant that he had to pick up mails and packages every Tuesday and Friday. The lawyer argued that taking away Frett’s passport would affect his business since it was his sole income earner.

“He has lost a lot of customers and the nature of his business is very sensitive,” Daniels added.

Daniels further stated that his client does not go into his customers packages, and the box which contained the substance was sealed and had an invoice attached to it.

Persaud, a Guyanese national living in the Virgin Islands for over 20 years, was the captain of the vessel, while Donovan and Richards, both Virgin Islanders, helped with loading and unloading the cargo.

The men have to reappear in court on June 5, 2012 and it is hoped by then Richards would have hired a lawyer.

85 Responses to “UPDATE - Baughers Bay drug bust: US intel helped in arrests”

  • damn damn (18/05/2012, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Geez I wonder what they find!
  • Damn (18/05/2012, 14:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder what they find!
    • mail man (18/05/2012, 20:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why you so god dam noisy they found your baby mom in the maul!!
  • Good going police (18/05/2012, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    POlice and Customs on the ball ya'll. Good going
    • the way I see it (19/05/2012, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      hmmm it’s very sad to say but wee people do not like our own people and jealous when they are doing well...these UK officers here with a mission to lock up local blacks like slaves in the jail…wake up BVI...
      • Online Now Now (21/05/2012, 08:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Lovk all the dishonest ones up - balck, white, purple or green!
      • ken (21/05/2012, 11:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        you sound so stupid please read your comment over no sense at all. These guys are here to help just keep you nose clean and you will be just fine.
      • - (23/05/2012, 15:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        you lot so bloody ignorant I would let the UK guys leave you all in the lurch. No matter what they do and I do not mean all at least 2 are brilliant officers and have done alot for the people of the BVI the others yes are also ignorant and do not care about the people of the BVI AND SAYING THAT THEY DO NOT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT OTHER UK OFFICERS. Stop taring them all with the same brush.
  • Rats (18/05/2012, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmm. I heard that these mailing services are prone to be involved in illegal operations.
    • Luvz (19/05/2012, 07:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Rats, NOT all mailing service into illegal activities. There are those who go through the legal process.
      • paper boy (19/05/2012, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        tell dem!!! dem out ah order to generalise like dat Luvz
        • under age (20/05/2012, 23:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          I heard on Friday they arrested a minor this is wrong!!!! Where is the damm Social Development when you need them???
  • qc (18/05/2012, 14:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    see the best of them UK officers to harass the lcoals
    • Fay (19/05/2012, 07:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea, so "locals" better be on their best behavior.
      • SUMMER HEAT (19/05/2012, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        BEST BEHAVIOUR EXCUSE ME??? WE ARE NO HOUSE NIGGERS BOSSMAN
        • listen to grand mom (20/05/2012, 23:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          all I will say is what happen in darkness muss come to light...my grandmother from St. Lucia she had a saying "Day light does catch with moon light"......the man got his eyes on us
          • village ram (21/05/2012, 09:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            scatter your rass you just repeating what you heard others sayin
  • bamsee (18/05/2012, 14:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lord that one done start holding his head already
  • tat ta (18/05/2012, 15:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    why customs like to search up we locals?
    • Online Now Now (18/05/2012, 15:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Because amongst the honest people there hides a large number of drug dealers, drug runners and smugglers. Well done RVIPF.
  • in the news (18/05/2012, 15:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO you all first again with good information and good photos. Now this is a real breaking news story and not about a loan!
    • jack be still (18/05/2012, 15:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Nice photos vino seems like the NDP in and you all still getting all the access.....you beating the NDP site Platinum
      • Welsa (19/05/2012, 14:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        All yall that like playing this party ish sound like ignorant idiots. Moving on....
  • Boo (18/05/2012, 15:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When they auctioning that boat?
    • true (18/05/2012, 20:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      my thoughts exactly! Poker run perhaps a sea trial next sunday before purchase!
  • love boat (18/05/2012, 15:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow OMG we local boyz just aint plan to say away from tis ting...me so sorry for me know deeds guys
  • hold up (18/05/2012, 15:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A message to the streets the drug trade is to hot deman you all need to just cool out!!!
  • YeSa (18/05/2012, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO ayo jamming. These punks all getting pulled off the streets! Good work Police and Customs!
  • dope fiend (18/05/2012, 16:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lawd these boy dumb the place so hot and u still bringing in stuff, dredd
  • police boat (18/05/2012, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn't that the old police boat ????? he he he
  • parent (18/05/2012, 16:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    OH NO FIVE WHO RAT OUT WHO AND WHO SET UP WHO???/
  • Customer (18/05/2012, 17:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    INTELLIGENCE AT WORK MA BOI! GO DAVID MORRIS GO! You continue to outshine all past chief in the RVIPF
    • - (18/05/2012, 19:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      what the heck has it got to do with morris thank the team that did the work and not the man who gets told when its all over. fool
  • mother hen (18/05/2012, 18:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ever since Morris took over you all black and local people need to watch the game...the plot for slavery to lock up all locals and blacks.... I bet you we can look out for a new jail being built by the UK...watch the game people take notice!!!!!!
    • Iron Lion (18/05/2012, 19:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm black, I'm local, I got money, I work, no police will be locking me up. Stop chat sh$$t!
    • Another Victim (18/05/2012, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is he locking up innocent, law abiding citizens?
    • Guest (19/05/2012, 03:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mother Hen it seems not all the drugs were found because you seemed to have smoked the other supply. Because I have read some dumb s*** in my day, but your post is true representation of the pitfalls of inbreeding...
      • COME AGAIN (22/05/2012, 06:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Nobody inbreed more than the British
        • - (22/05/2012, 16:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Hush your filthy mouth take notice of your own fathers abusing daughters or other family daughters. Ignorant fool
  • paul on the ball (18/05/2012, 21:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    These officers from the UK seems like they can only do work when they get a tip, but the local police who are under paid and oppress are on the ball sa.
    • - (19/05/2012, 05:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you talk sh.. or was it you who gave the tip???????????? no tip actually just pure intelligence and keeping a watchful eye. We watch and listen. Locals give nothing so down to UK guys doing what they do best getting rid of crap like you.
  • Riddler (18/05/2012, 21:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is a custom officer BOAT that was bought at the goverment auctions. What a ting.
  • bamsee (18/05/2012, 21:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the mail man didnt deliver
    • intel (21/05/2012, 23:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      with the U.S. law-enforcement and BVI pooling information that is trouble
  • Realist (18/05/2012, 22:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hustle or die
    • Fay (19/05/2012, 07:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea, "hustle or die" or die hustling buddy.
      • poor them (19/05/2012, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Things too hard for indigenous Virgin Islanders... they getting licks in the homeland...what else can they do?
  • bbc (19/05/2012, 10:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leave our young men alone!
  • DD (19/05/2012, 10:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    legalize it and we will reduce this matter boss, tis time to recognize it....
  • positive vision (19/05/2012, 17:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    if its in mail package ,why arrest the mans, but if not in mailing package then some one have it there,my vision
  • rat (19/05/2012, 17:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even if I getting it free I don't want anything that the police them had, say no mo.
  • facts man (19/05/2012, 23:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My hats off to the USVI cost Guard for the tips. This is as a result of the good working relationship set up by former police commissioner Frazer a local...the UK police officers were useless in this and played no role...but the school children say tehy up and down taking credit..them too LIE. this was because of the seeds planted by a local police officer and it must be praised..you all have to have the facts and give jack his jacket.
    • Disgusted of the sad comments... (21/05/2012, 09:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You need to stop trying to plant those seeds of discord. They are all one body so it does not matter who initiates what action, as long as the job is done and done well. You guys need to stop creating confusion. Seriously!
  • teacher john (20/05/2012, 00:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    all i can say is; This was not your everyday drug bust,.....
  • ausar (20/05/2012, 07:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Rat", I've got to agree with you there. Now why would anyone buy anything from any kind of law enforcement and believe there's not a hidden camera and/ or voice recorder somewhere?
  • i'm just saying (20/05/2012, 08:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    leaving the man them alone, look for the real people, we want/sorry we need the herbs, talk your talk, name 1 person or google 1 person who ever ever ever die from herds....google how many did from booze, why you all na like the herbs, some lil punk sell out as always, wa them to sell out on, them na do it, i'm just saying!
  • tottot (20/05/2012, 16:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    dees locals are chupid, any ol police could catch dees clowns
  • one eye roster (20/05/2012, 18:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who watching de police? Trust me we need some body to watch dem!!
  • taxpayer (20/05/2012, 20:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its a good thing they did not have to chase them at sea since the Customes boat is seldom available since it is being used to carry people to funeral in St. Thomas and fun trips to V. Gorda. These Heads of Departments can't be trusted.
  • value (20/05/2012, 21:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    goodness I know all thoes man dem..ayo better get good lawyers
  • should not be (20/05/2012, 22:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    its just wrong for people in this enlighten day and age to be lock up for marijuana
  • INMATE (21/05/2012, 08:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So the police fire MAIL MAN?........after he done set up so much man for them.....lets see if them going let him go this time. GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY.........the world is round.......I did my three years........he can have my cell I left the light on.....LOL
  • tola talk (21/05/2012, 08:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You do the crime now do the time
    • God help us all (21/05/2012, 19:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am not one to jump up when someone get in trouble it could have been any of our son, uncle, brother, father, cousin, in-law etc...we need to help our young men…we need to watch and pray!!!
  • ll (21/05/2012, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    But all the mail have to go through customs before handed over to the customers so what is the issue here again???? Did they clear customs???…
    • - (22/05/2012, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      of course not??????????????? so guilty they knew what they were doing was illigal.
  • good fast (21/05/2012, 17:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    that boat nice deman
  • AT&T (21/05/2012, 19:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I heard sombody rat them out....place ur trust in God only never man!!!
  • blah blah blah blah (21/05/2012, 19:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    today for me tommrw for you!!!
  • my mail (21/05/2012, 23:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the police went through all the mail they found those with the drugs why the hick dem do not release the other mail that was free of any issues...I need my dawn medication.
  • war crime (22/05/2012, 06:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope somebody in the police station is watching the drugs
  • INMATE (22/05/2012, 07:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND....WHAT GOES UP...MUST COME DOWN............mail that now.....
  • open (22/05/2012, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the police has no right to open packages they should be opened by a Customs Agent.
  • Liat 521 (22/05/2012, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    send Persaud home!!!!
  • cell (22/05/2012, 13:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this wholw melee do not make sense!
  • out sider (22/05/2012, 21:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    look at that Morris just standing there like the overseer
  • way back home (23/05/2012, 15:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    bigs up 2 the police and customs.....great job.


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