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UPDATE: 3 fishermen arrested, charged in $34M drug bust

Police in the Virgin Islands (VI) have indicated that charges have been laid in relation to a recent drug bust. Photo: VINO/File
A vessel belonging to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Unit. Police have reportedly seized what is suspected to be cocaine discovered on a vessel that was intercepted in Virgin Islands waters last night, May 30, 2024. Photo: VINO/File
A vessel belonging to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Unit. Police have reportedly seized what is suspected to be cocaine discovered on a vessel that was intercepted in Virgin Islands waters last night, May 30, 2024. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD REEF, Tortola, VI - Police in the Virgin Islands (VI) have indicated that charges have been laid in relation to a recent drug bust.

In a release today, June 1, 2024, police said after 11 pm on May 30, 2024, during a joint operation involving officers from the RVIPF Marine Unit and US Customs and Border Patrol a suspicious vessel was intercepted.

A search of the vessel revealed multiple packages believed to contain cocaine, with an estimated value exceeding $34 million.

“The three men on board, identified as Julio Cabrera Martinez, 40, Tomas Balbuena Acosta, 55, and Remigio De Los Santos, 62, have been charged with Possession of a Controlled Drug and Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply,” the release detailed.

Commissioner of Police Mark Collins stated, “This significant bust underscores the RVIPF’s ongoing commitment to disrupting drug trafficking operations in the Virgin Islands.”

Police said the suspects are currently in custody pending their appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

See previous story pubished yesterday, May 31, 2024

Cocaine reportedly discovered on vessel intercepted by police

ROAD REEF, Tortola, VI- Police have reportedly seized what is suspected to be cocaine discovered on a vessel that was intercepted in Virgin Islands waters last night, May 30, 2024.

Police confirmed the incident in a short press statement this morning; however, it held back from stating the location the vessel was intercepted.

"Officers of the RVIPF's Marine Unit received a report of a suspicious vessel while on patrol after 11:00 pm on May 30. In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the officers intercepted and searched the vessel. During the search, several concealed packages suspected to contain cocaine were discovered," the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) reported.

Police said three male occupants of the vessel were arrested and are currently in custody pending further investigations.

"Additional information will be provided as the investigation progresses," the RVIPF stated.

50 Responses to “UPDATE: 3 fishermen arrested, charged in $34M drug bust ”

  • jack (31/05/2024, 12:16) Like (43) Dislike (4) Reply
    Names these suspect,so people could avoid getting close to them,because when them boys come for them,let them alone go.
    • l (01/06/2024, 18:46) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      They did name them. They want to know why Spanish people are turned away at the airport when they look suspicious and sent back home. Are they trying to come in to help distribute?
      Martinez, Acosta and Santos. Over $34 million? Where did it come from and where are they transporting it to? We don't have that many people here to distribute it, but the ones from here who are involved in it must be kicking rocks right now. They come with guns. This has gotten out of hand and is very dangerous for us. Keep up the good work Officers in every unit who participated. Great Job!
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (31/05/2024, 12:58) Like (19) Dislike (38) Reply
    here we go again. the normal life in the british virgin islands for over 100 years ago this is all the news that we can read about in the bvi newspaper. i wonder should i live in canada or the uk. which country should i live in? i certainly do not look forward to returning to my birthplace and i cannot live here in the usa any longer.
    • @MLV (31/05/2024, 13:53) Like (40) Dislike (6) Reply
      This exists all over the world.
      • BuzzBvi (01/06/2024, 17:07) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        But not everywhere is the Premierr of the country leading the way supported and protected by other legislators,.
    • Lucifer morningstar (31/05/2024, 14:12) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
      Just hurry up and DIE then. STFU!
    • Real Talk (31/05/2024, 14:14) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      YOU HAVE TWO OPTION RUSSIA OR THE SPACE STATION
    • ok (31/05/2024, 15:02) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      Well don’t come back ..
    • grace (31/05/2024, 18:05) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
      Well, I hope you find a place where you find your peace. Where? I don't know because there are problems no matter where you go. You will be forever moving.
    • strupz (01/06/2024, 06:16) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
      Every day I see positive news about BVI athletes etc with 1 or maybe no comments at all . Y’all gravitate to negative news. Y’all allow the negative to over shadow so many positive stories.
    • Native Tongue (01/06/2024, 12:37) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      María did you take your medicación today?
    • @Maria (01/06/2024, 12:45) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Girl come home if you coming home. These people target their own people who do wrong by them. You ain't a piece safer in the USA or Canada. When your time comes you will go no matter where you are.
    • @ Varlack (02/06/2024, 00:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      the place over populated with nationals from all over and U on here chatting piss and might I add they living large where you were born
    • @ Maria Louisa Varlack (02/06/2024, 22:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please stay there. We don't need your type here. Your attitude towards VIslanders stink! There's NEVER an uplifting post from you. Gosh man, this is frigging sickening.. Any child reading your posts would think we are the worst in the World. What about some ideas or advice from you to turn around the islands. By the way, what are you trying to accomplish here with your rhectoric? Plesse change your attitude because perhaps it can or will change your mindset. Peace and Love. May continue to bless these VIslands and all the people who make it their home!
  • frosty (31/05/2024, 13:00) Like (31) Dislike (5) Reply
    our third pillar is hard at work
  • So why them (31/05/2024, 14:08) Like (20) Dislike (8) Reply
    So why them ain report it to customs?

    Customs can't stop and search boats too?

    How come customs not on patrol? They not supposed to protect the boarders?

    Like customs corrupt man.

    • @So why them (31/05/2024, 15:28) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
      Customs is part of the Law Enforcement Team
    • mmmm (31/05/2024, 15:53) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
      People forget customs close when port closes , police work 24/7 customs is on call after hours if police needs assitance read your constitution
    • ... (31/05/2024, 16:13) Like (20) Dislike (6) Reply
      customs part of the problem, why you think them young boys joining ? for good pay? everyone got their own agenda.
    • @@so why them (31/05/2024, 19:27) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      If customs had been involved they would have been tipped off
    • Just 4 the sake of love (01/06/2024, 10:29) Like (0) Dislike (12) Reply
      I hear you Loud and clear. You see that is what England is using the Premier to do, by giving the HMSRVIPF full power to do and uno things( whatever they want) to do here.
      Customs officially have more documented power than any forces here ,but those boys (White ofcourse) want to control so they hanging out with our top head .( rules/ leaders to get it easily.
      I still have my setup Booby traps waiting to slam down on them when they come to search without a warrant ,but the only thing is it goin catch the smaller Guys because the big Hogs and big Dogs only rush in when they done locate the CHEEZE..
      • mmm (01/06/2024, 12:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        To just 4 the sake of love being a customs officer for over 25 years customs dont have the powers u think they have and do u know whatever powers customs do have do you know the poloce has the powers to enforce customs land immigration laws so no customs is not the ultimate power here or nowhere else in the world
  • El Demonio Negro (31/05/2024, 14:13) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    Man you got to keep on PUSHING.
  • de silent one (31/05/2024, 15:12) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    There seems to be no letting up of these activities, regardless of the consequences. Give all the law enforcement agencies involved some credit
  • OB (31/05/2024, 16:05) Like (30) Dislike (4) Reply
    Crimes don't happen here only!! Happening all over the world, no matter what you can run ! But you can't hide ,the bvi is still a safe place compared to others
    • Yow (01/06/2024, 06:39) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Not so sure of that as we got the weakest gun and drugs laws in the entire world, why you think that business seems so good to our Young men, but go carry on law makers, we import everything, we can't even feed ourselves, if those big ships stop coming then what!, it got places like Turks get caught with bullets you spend over 10yrs here in the bvi you get caught with a gun you pay a fine and months, if that long!
    • @OB (01/06/2024, 19:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      " crimes don't happen here only" There was a time when it didn't happen here but an attempt to regard scum as human,they were given the freedom to come to these islands to earn a decent living But once again and always they remain demonic empty handed human dregs..no amount of drugs they sell will ever change their status,that of human dregs.scorned and dammed and for good reasons.
  • Law Gorda V (31/05/2024, 16:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    2 have already fallen, the brain is on the desk. They are linked to the blood that runs in the bvi
  • smh (31/05/2024, 16:29) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    It’s what the ppl kno. The boys and girls love the drug money
  • Carry Come (31/05/2024, 17:50) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    CCARICOM of no worth,spoilers of everything good.
  • @ DE SILENT ONE (31/05/2024, 18:24) Like (14) Dislike (21) Reply
    Aka ) one of the fake pastors from CGB was barefaced enough to go on AUR and holler out " THERE IS NO CORRUPTION HERE " he has sin returned to his closet , or turned ghost again , so he won't be reading of another ( DRUG BURST ) AGAIN what a set of HOLY HYPOCRITES we have here
  • sorry (31/05/2024, 19:16) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Canada , UK ,European countries , Australia and USA love The White horse is why the world so SMH and yes we love easy money Too
  • eye (31/05/2024, 19:36) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    We don’t want see customs boat give us what you find good pictures
  • BuzzBvi (31/05/2024, 23:02) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    When are more VI women going to get into smuggling. This is an equal opportunities issue.
  • Opp 7 (31/05/2024, 23:20) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The police did that one without lowrack knowing. He could not hold his boys dis time and boat that got hold the last time its jahreem own and his sister is lowrack wife
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (01/06/2024, 12:49) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    this is common everyday in the british virgin islands. anyone in the british virgin islands remember mr faulkner from anegada in the british virgin islands fighting for human rights and human dignity and human respect and human worth in the british virgin islands legislative council chamber building, government of the british virgin islands and also to mention mr decastro and mr fonseca. is this what we bvi islanders want our territory of the british virgin islands?
  • jack in the box (01/06/2024, 12:50) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Who rat on them?
  • 008 (01/06/2024, 13:50) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Neva late. More than likely a bigger shipment went right after. Plus. All the RVIPF knows is that they have wa? 38 million dollars worth of CoCaInE. Do the math. They gon say we gonna destroy it.... But do they really. Most of the man dem in the force is down island people. Do the math. Collins...Hmm I don't know. Maybe he flipping it to England who knows. I want to be there. Let dem show me 38 million worh of cocaine destroyed before my eyes. Den we could talk. When all 38 million dollars worth is ready to be destroyed call me. 1-284-776-5460. Cause I know dutty when I smell it.
    These man as police just got a big eat. Trust me. Trust no one.
  • Blindman (01/06/2024, 14:05) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    spanishman them take over the full control of transporting the coke columbian and venzuelian only dealing direct with santo man them now leaving the locals out to much flossing .
  • LaLopez (01/06/2024, 14:12) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Are these men residents of the BVI?

    May we have some pictures please? From their last names it appears that they are Hispanic. A few weeks ago, we had a double murder where the victims were also Hispanic. Wonder if there’s any connection between drug runnings and murders of Hispanics here in the territory?
  • Carry Cum (01/06/2024, 15:33) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    CARICOM ..,ERS as expected.
    Time fo we to have a big vast massive belonger grant rush and give away land to them and allow them to stiff the VIslander landlord's and stick the FSN for their use and so on and so on
  • Oh yea! (01/06/2024, 16:32) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    You give the Spanish dem control over all. And now they taken over everything. Keep deh f¥%#er dem out the BVI.
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (01/06/2024, 17:34) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    british virgin islanders be careful with the us government that the territory of the british virgin islands do not get our territory in trouble with the us government. our territory of the british virgin islands do not need any more problems than our territory already have. look out and watch out and be careful there are people out there that are trying to ruin and destroy the territory of the british virgin islands. be careful with the us government.
  • OH.YEA ! (01/06/2024, 21:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    AH TEL ALYO SO ALREADY , THE COKE & PILLS ECSTACY ETC IS MANUFACTURED IN SANTO , SO THEY RUNNING THE SHOW , THE LOCALS WHO WAS PLAYING HIGH & MIGHTYB ARE GETTING CAST ASIDE THESE GREEDY BASTARDS ARE NOW REALISING NOW THAT THE
    SPANIARDS , HAS MADE A
    FOOTHOLD IN THE TERRITORY AND THEY DON'T NEED THEM ANYMORE , SO THEY ARE BEING SQUEEZED OUT / SND THATS WHERE THE SNITCHING COMES INTO PLAY , AND THEN THERE WILL BE A CHAI OF EVENTS / WHO AIN'T GE T GUNNED DOWN WILL GO MISSING - AKA - TAKEN FOR A SWIM WITH SOME ???? ???? ???? WHICK WILL BE DELIGHTED TO FLEX OFF THEIR VERSION OF ALL OUT " GREEDINESS ( NO PITY , BECAUSE SOME OR ALL OF THEM MAY BE KILLERS OR HAD PEOPLE KILLED - U LIVE BY TH
  • Hmm (01/06/2024, 22:24) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    WELL DONE POLICE/CUSTOMS
  • Ks (01/06/2024, 23:44) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Check the new recruits and you will understand mehson.
  • skuntington (02/06/2024, 10:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    the drug game involves young men getting k*lled in the streets but older men easily transporting? you in your 50's and still in the drug game?
  • born here (03/06/2024, 19:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It look like we have to stop those Venezuelans and Colombians from coming to the British Virgin Islands because they making it look bad for the BVI



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