Another US national held for ammo in luggage @ TB Lettsome Airport
On March 29, 2025, airport security officers conducted a search of a carry-on bag belonging to Jeremy Smith, a 63-year-old United States national. The search yielded a single nine-millimetre round of ammunition. Smith was subsequently charged with Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
A week later, on April 5, a manual search of luggage belonging to Lucas Michale Quinn, a 41-year-old United States national, also uncovered a single nine-millimetre round. Quinn was likewise charged with Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
ACoP Vanterpool praises airport security
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has since written to Mr Kurt A.G. Menal, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority, to extend her appreciation and commendation for the diligent work of the airport security team.
In her letter, the Acting Commissioner emphasised the vital role airport security plays in public safety and national security. She praised their ongoing commitment and vigilance in helping to keep the Virgin Islands safe.
The RVIPF also takes this opportunity to remind both visitors and residents that the possession of ammunition without proper authorisation is illegal under BVI law and is punishable by a fine of $500 or six months imprisonment.
“The recent incidents are very concerning; however, we want to make it clear, bringing even a single round of ammunition into the Virgin Islands without a valid firearm licence is a serious offence,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool in a press release on April 9, 2025.
“We urge all travellers to check their bags thoroughly before travelling. Ignorance of the law is not a defense. We must continue to take serious actions against this kind of behaviour to ensure the safety of residents and travellers alike.”
Acting Commissioner Vanterpool further encourages all law-abiding citizens to support the ongoing efforts of the police and security partners in reducing crime and promoting safety throughout the Territory.
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17 Responses to “Another US national held for ammo in luggage @ TB Lettsome Airport”
Well done airport security..especially the manual bag check...to find a single round amongst all the crap we all pack into bags these days.
Well done
But in this place you cannot get a valid firearm license no matter what!! Many have tried, many have failed. But the streets have sweepers…
You really think people are going to spend thousands to visit the BVI for vacation and willfully throw a single bullet in their luggage just to &**k w/ us? Knowing their willful “test” if caught will result in their arrest? Mahn, you petty minded af!
Charge violators every time. Some take the VI for a dam joke.
Arresting someone for a single bullet?! That's @$$&^% work not proper police work. How bout simply levying a huge fine so the Authority can actually make money.
Don't be fooled, people, all reports are not true reports. However, I do hope that these are genuine ones.