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Latest cocaine seizure another success for Joint Task Force

- Joint Task Force collaborated with US Customs & Coast Guard
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) may have been the first to speak to the media but the cocaine seizure made yesterday, April 11, 2021, in territorial waters, was another victory for the Joint Task Force, which partnered with US law enforcement agencies. Photo: Team of Reporters
Chairman of the Joint Task Force, Mr Wade N. Smith confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the operation was the work of the Joint Task Force and US agencies. Photo: VINO/File
Chairman of the Joint Task Force, Mr Wade N. Smith confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the operation was the work of the Joint Task Force and US agencies. Photo: VINO/File
The Joint Task Force Chairman, Mr Wade N. Smith, said the chase actually started outside territorial waters and it ensued ‘south of Tortola in the vicinity of Sopers Hole, Frenchman’s Cay area and ended at Fort Recovery’ where the captain beached the vessel. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Joint Task Force Chairman, Mr Wade N. Smith, said the chase actually started outside territorial waters and it ensued ‘south of Tortola in the vicinity of Sopers Hole, Frenchman’s Cay area and ended at Fort Recovery’ where the captain beached the vessel. Photo: Team of Reporters
WEST END, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) may have been the first to speak to the media, but the cocaine seizure made yesterday, April 11, 2021, in territorial waters, was another victory for the Joint Task Force, which partnered with US law enforcement agencies.

The Joint Task Force is a collaboration between officers of Her Majesty’s Customs, the Immigration Department, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

The Task Force was established to increase surveillance and enforcement on sea and land during this COVID-19 era.

Another victory for Joint Task Force

Chairman of the Joint Task Force, Mr Wade N. Smith confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the operation was the work of the Joint Task Force and US agencies.

The operation saw law enforcement authorities, with the use of marine vessels and a helicopter, pursue a powerboat that illegally entered territorial waters around 3:00 pm.

“It was a coordinated effort with the US law enforcement agencies, Customs and Coast Guard. It was coordinated through the joint task force and local involvement with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and HM Customs,” Mr Smith confirmed.

1 arrested; cocaine recovered

The Joint Task Force Chairman said the chase actually started outside territorial waters and it ensued “south of Tortola in the vicinity of Sopers Hole, Frenchman’s Cay area and ended at Fort Recovery” where the captain beached the vessel.

One person was arrested and a significant amount of cocaine was subsequently recovered from VI waters, our newsroom was previously informed.

Mr Smith said the vessel was detained by HM Customs.

Joint Task Force serving its purpose

The Joint Task Force, which was established in August 2020, has since managed to detect and deter illegal activities, including illegal entry, human smuggling and drug smuggling.

29 Responses to “Latest cocaine seizure another success for Joint Task Force”

  • stupid (12/04/2021, 06:01) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
    Once the governor and the Premier knows that's what's important,,,Why start this Law enforcement fighting to the Public,,, This is dumb and stupid,,,, Work together,. Leave the public out of the ego battle,,
    • Yield Not To Temptation (12/04/2021, 07:26) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      UNWILLING TO YIELD
      A. W. Tozer

      I know there are people who hear me preach regularly who will never consider changing their way of living They will go 'underground' before they will do that!

      Our situation is not an isolated case. There are millions of men and women with an understanding of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who are still not willing to receive and commit themselves to Him whom the very angels and stars and rivers receive.

      They hesitate and they delay because they know God is asking the abdication of their own selfish little kingdom and interests. This is the tragedy of mankind, my brethren!

      We have rejected Him from our lives because we must have our own way. But until Jesus Christ is sincerely received, there can be no knowledge of salvation, nor any understanding of the things of God.

      The little, selfish, sinful man rejects the Son of God. While he is still enumerating the things he deserves, the Son of God stands outside.

      My brethren, I repeat: this is the great tragedy of mankind!
  • o (12/04/2021, 06:14) Like (12) Dislike (23) Reply
    This clearly shows that the law enforcement agencies in the VI don't have a good relationship. Everyone is trying to get props. What should happen, the commissioner of police ,the commissioner of customs and the chief immigration officer should come together and address the public. So it would make sense. Now the US law enforcement is laughing at the Vi. Police and customs are fighting for credit.
    • wow (12/04/2021, 08:48) Like (8) Dislike (17) Reply

      RVIPF didn't do sh** to garnish recognization! Bunch of overpaid egotistical ignorant specs.

  • Lmp (12/04/2021, 06:27) Like (10) Dislike (35) Reply
    Our poor economy. None of the dope stays here. But the money stays here. Let the dope run.
  • $325,000 (12/04/2021, 07:00) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    For $325,000 that helicopter had better be off the barge.
  • wise up (12/04/2021, 07:14) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    When the devil has his puppet strings attached and he sees you getting in trouble, he clips ‘em quickly and looks from the sidelines laughing at yet another one he led astray
    • to wise up (12/04/2021, 08:36) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      Oh just stfu. We are all responsible for OUR OWN LIVES and actions.
  • Troll (12/04/2021, 07:14) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Customs get a new boat to the roster
  • Division (12/04/2021, 07:17) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Every one of eh want the prize, especially customs
  • for real (12/04/2021, 07:36) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Things starting to bite they are getting desperate. The money drying up.
  • Rubber Duck (12/04/2021, 08:19) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fox in the chicken house.
  • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (12/04/2021, 08:22) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don’t understand was he trying to mingle in with the Sunday boat traffic and shoot the short gap by St John waters into BVI waters when all the boats head toward Norman on Sunday??
    • 2022 (12/04/2021, 10:46) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      He should have headed to Norman like the rest and then come up as if he was in BVI waters all the time - No?
      • jah know (12/04/2021, 12:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        US Coast guard was on him with chopper, they obviously had eyes on him before he was in BVI waters, aint nothing to blend with out there by himself.
  • ?? (12/04/2021, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Police weedin out bad apples n gettin da busts . Why not customs ??
  • @hmmm (12/04/2021, 10:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    WELL AS THE JAMAICANS WOULD SAY ( E NAH WUERK )
  • Hawaii 5-0 (12/04/2021, 11:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let’s look at the GPS to see where the boat has been Danno. I’m sure he didn’t have time or remember to clear his GPS.
  • Hundred plus boat needed when playing games guys. Okplaying games guys. (12/04/2021, 11:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fast and fierius they don't no which boat got it guys. Ok my advice.
  • trust (12/04/2021, 11:20) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply

    So ayo really going lock up people for dope when man out here killing people for dope same way and still can’t catch who the killers are
    Free my nigga tell it backwards

    Just know more dope coming the same way lol
    Don’t shoot the messenger
  • hm (12/04/2021, 13:59) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Them police probably done take half the drugs already
  • Wsi (12/04/2021, 14:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    @#$% all dah FREE COLUMBUS

  • 007 (12/04/2021, 15:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Going to be some pretty pissed off Columbians.
  • shark (12/04/2021, 16:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would like to know how come when it’s a large quantity of cocaine our waters are deemed international l,but
    when it’s illegal immigrants it’s different.


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