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UPDATE: 3 arrested, drugs & firearm seized, 2 boats detained following EE boat chase

July 20th, 2023 | Tags: police engines boat chase East End
A large quantity of what is believed to be controlled drugs were recovered following the police operation on the waters near East End on July 19, 2023. Photo: Team of Reporters.
According to Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, three persons have been arrested, 1 firearm recovered, suspected controlled drugs seized and two vessels have been detained following the operation in collaboration with ‘international partners’ yesterday, July 19, 2023. Photo: VINO/Screengrab
According to Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, three persons have been arrested, 1 firearm recovered, suspected controlled drugs seized and two vessels have been detained following the operation in collaboration with ‘international partners’ yesterday, July 19, 2023. Photo: VINO/Screengrab
Reports reaching our newsroom indicate there was a high-speed boat chase involving local law enforcement authorities that ended in the East End area around 7:00 PM today, July 19, 2023. Photo: VINO/File
Reports reaching our newsroom indicate there was a high-speed boat chase involving local law enforcement authorities that ended in the East End area around 7:00 PM today, July 19, 2023. Photo: VINO/File
EAST END, Tortola, VI- A quantity of suspected illegal drugs and a firearm have been recovered and three persons have been arrested in the Police Marine Unit-led operation in waters off East End yesterday evening, July 19, 2023, a story first reported by our news centre.

According to Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, two vessels have been detained following the collaborative operation with “international partners”.

“At this early stage, I can say three local persons have been arrested. We believe some other persons are outstanding,” CoP Collins stated at a press conference called by the National Security Council (NSC) today, July 20, 2023.

Police yet to determine where vessels are from

Mr Collins said the police have yet to identify where the vessels are from, but said they appeared to have come from the direction of Anguilla.

“One of them has got no identifying marks at all on it but we are working with colleagues to try to ascertain where these vessels are from.”

Regarding the drugs seized, CoP Collins said the quantity will be made known to the public later today.

“At this stage, I can tell you a large quantity of what we believe to be controlled drugs have been recovered. I don’t know the exact weight yet, because that is still under investigation and also on one of the vessels a firearm was recovered as well.”

Police officers were also injured in the operation, CoP Collins disclosed.

See previous article published July 19, 2023

Police reportedly shoot @ outboard engines in high-speed chase off EE

Reports just reaching our newsroom indicate there was a high-speed boat chase involving local law enforcement authorities around 7:00 PM today, July 19, 2023.

Information is sketchy but our newsroom was told the chase ended when Police resorted to shooting the engines of the boat being pursued when in the East End area.

It is unclear where the chase began and whether there have been arrests or if anything illegal has been recovered.

Our newsroom was told the occupants of the boat jumped overboard in an escape bid.

Our news centre is working on more details for this story.

69 Responses to “UPDATE: 3 arrested, drugs & firearm seized, 2 boats detained following EE boat chase”

  • Damn (19/07/2023, 20:56) Like (49) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dem boy could swim faster than a speed boat? Tortola got talent!
    • NezRez (20/07/2023, 19:44) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Tortola doesn't have talent when it comes to these idiots. They got caught, didn't they? Did they think they could outswim a boat? That's not talent, that is stupidity. So glad they are caught.
  • Hmm (19/07/2023, 20:57) Like (28) Dislike (12) Reply

    C***** does play to big! that's he karma for cheating on his w**e. Let's see if that Vincy woman going fend for he.

    • @hmm (20/07/2023, 09:24) Like (22) Dislike (9) Reply
      The police would have done the wife a great favor if they had shot him up when he jump overboard to escape with his ugly buffalo head looking self.
      • WOW (20/07/2023, 14:33) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
        That's how you really feel you wishing dead on the wife baby daddy. What about the kids, how would they feel if they had shot him up? That's sad
    • WOW (20/07/2023, 14:14) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      And she cyan fend for sheself? Is he taking care of she
  • WOW (19/07/2023, 21:06) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Need For Speed V.I EDITION
  • Ricky Rose’ (19/07/2023, 21:11) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Glad for them. Their mouths be loose and they too flashy. Bout time they learn.
  • NezRez (19/07/2023, 21:15) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    I hope they got caught, stupid MFs!
  • Airport Close (19/07/2023, 21:15) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Is that why the airport close, or was that more industrial action?
  • good (19/07/2023, 21:16) Like (26) Dislike (5) Reply
    Great job police. Kill those engines if they fail to stop. But whatever on board probably already been throw overboard. If they weren’t guilty of anything they would have stopped
  • yikes (19/07/2023, 21:19) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not jumped overboard. Go find work to do now man the drug ring too hot. These ppl risking dem life based off greed and for show. Stupid stupid big federal indictment, if Ayo don’t think all Ayo business, routes and methods are being discussed for lesser time think again. All of sudden everyone getting caught is not a coinky dink.
  • trust (19/07/2023, 21:37) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    It pays to play
    Come on guys the water is hot
    You have to come good in these days
    Everyone getting hold don’t be a donkey
  • Majestic Life Watch (19/07/2023, 22:08) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    Tick Tick
  • Amazing (19/07/2023, 22:20) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    So they took a leap overboard to get away eh?
  • Lord 0. (19/07/2023, 22:50) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
    I like the sound of this. Seriousness matters, no time to waste and joke with criminals..
  • lol3 (19/07/2023, 22:52) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heard those boys took to the water like Michael Phelps.
  • 2 e z (19/07/2023, 22:54) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Penalties stiff e. Government trying to build a productnases on tourism and these youths trying to build bank off illegal aspirins
  • John (20/07/2023, 00:12) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    When will it end these pepple rather cocaɛn then life there are small friiese the Big fish is jet to come if you dont get then the drug Will keep comeing
  • TurtleDove (20/07/2023, 00:30) Like (9) Dislike (89) Reply
    Police harassment continues while ranking and Collin going back to the uk full of cash

    Wake up bvi
    • @TurtleDove (20/07/2023, 09:20) Like (44) Dislike (7) Reply
      Police harassment? I’ll be bold enough to say it, the police should have sprayed their A$$es up when they jump overboard in the water. CALL IT TRASH REMOVAL AT SEA.
  • careful (20/07/2023, 05:39) Like (12) Dislike (42) Reply
    All I going say is careful those guys shoot back. The guns that’s on the streets trust me when I say the police don’t want any parts of that.
  • Citizen (20/07/2023, 06:52) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    our economy is going strong
  • Increment (20/07/2023, 07:02) Like (12) Dislike (30) Reply
    Just people trying to make up their increment dollars
  • Freeway Ricky Ross (20/07/2023, 08:26) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    everyday we hustling
  • Hmm (20/07/2023, 09:21) Like (5) Dislike (55) Reply
    The firearm policy does not give police in the bvi the authority to fire on a moving vessel or vehicle. I want the commissioner to address that point. If the vehicle is fleeing they have no power to use force
    • School children are saying that ... (20/07/2023, 10:12) Like (7) Dislike (20) Reply
      ... that the police were aiming at the driver but missed him and got the engines instead - shame they missed!
    • @hmm (20/07/2023, 11:30) Like (1) Dislike (23) Reply
      I think that's why they haven't release any statements as yet. I also want to know how that was possible to shoot at a moving vessel when this was a UK mandated Law.
      • @hmmm (20/07/2023, 13:26) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
        It was a moving vessel evading police. Can’t they shoot at the engines on that?
        • @hmmmm (20/07/2023, 17:23) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
          No the police act does not give us that authority. The police commissioner cannot justify that. You ask for a copy of the policy and there is no law which says it can happen. Any excuse by the Cop or governor would be false. Am escaping vehicle or vessel cannot be shot at.
          • Blind Man (20/07/2023, 20:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
            @hmmmn there was a case some years back when a Spanish national was shot and killed by coast guard on a high sea chase within BVI waters so authority does have the right to open fire on a vessel once failing to stop. In my opinion the officers did the right thing.
    • @hmm (20/07/2023, 12:07) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
      Go back and read that again they are allowed to shoot ever since that incident when the officer open fire at the guy that tried to rob him while making deposits… open your mind to learn as fast as you are to type
      • @hmm (20/07/2023, 13:45) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
        If you knew the law, I was talking about you wouldn't have taken time to write that B#S. A marine law is different form a land law. Find sense.
        • @Hmmmmm (20/07/2023, 17:26) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
          I am a police officer one, so please get your facts right. Two there is no different laws for land and sea. The rules of engagement is the same. It’s police officer like you who like to mislead the public. You need to read the firearm policy. Stop being a white mule.
    • @hmm (20/07/2023, 13:17) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Dem didn't fire at a moving vessel, they fired at the engines of a moving vessel!????????????
    • Incorrect (20/07/2023, 13:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are completely wrong about the firearms policy - the world has changed since you last looked at it!
  • trellis (20/07/2023, 09:51) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    That is better than cutting bush.
  • now (20/07/2023, 10:26) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    If the police had spray them up you hypocrites would be hollering police brutality or harassment like the ignorant one that got the ticket for parking his bike on the sidewalk. The mumu need to understand you cannot park on any sidewalk.
  • BIG HOUSE (20/07/2023, 10:35) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    You sure BVI people pull the trigger? They all on the payroll... i hear USCG do the real work.
  • Ummmm (20/07/2023, 10:38) Like (4) Dislike (42) Reply
    All I see is a bunch of racist-*** cops tryna catch a n**** slackin' like Jim Crow.
  • jack (20/07/2023, 10:50) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Karma the one who does beat up the Spanish girl next
  • HMMM (20/07/2023, 11:13) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    see that one with the spanish girl i want he tell me something so bad let me take he out
    • Hmmmm (20/07/2023, 15:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      U sound like u the side man , waitin to get in permanently Lolol jokes mason lol. She goin card u the same way f**l
  • tt (20/07/2023, 11:23) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Idiot thing that
  • Way to go rvip (20/07/2023, 12:13) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    It’s about time you start showing them who runs the town
    Don’t care what critics say aka I bawn here don’t do me nothing
    Because bawning here gives rights to do anything snd get away
    Well atleast soo them telling themselves ....hehehe
    • Blind Man (20/07/2023, 13:40) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Way to go rvip you mean to tell me couldn't just give the police there prop without spoiling it with your bad mine thoughts what born here have to do with drugs being caught keep your hate to yourself and give praise not try to stir up talk .
  • Majestic Life Watch (20/07/2023, 13:15) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Coming closer Powers Tick Tock Tick Tock
  • Big Meech (20/07/2023, 13:41) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them young guys need to cool out the place too hot for this now
  • unfair (20/07/2023, 14:13) Like (30) Dislike (8) Reply
    I realized that once it is a BVI LANDER you people on the news do not post their names. but the ones that were not from here you posted their names, FULL SPEED. Why tho??
  • Alien (20/07/2023, 14:17) Like (11) Dislike (27) Reply
    Nobody can’t tell me that wasn’t a setup! Hold up your head C***** the streets hating
  • No Man (20/07/2023, 15:41) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dont call yourself turtle dove while advocating murder. The police job is to get them in front of a judge not execute them and I am talking to the people saying they should have been shot. That is not the christian way! The bible says to be wise as a serpent and peaceful as a dove. cmon can you really be advocating senseless loss of life?
  • Sly Mongoose (20/07/2023, 15:55) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    So why he had to say "three local persons"? Why didn't he just say, three persons? Help me understand!
  • Well (20/07/2023, 16:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can't you guys see the two real copy die you guys are carbon copy so cool out nothing an't going on me son these are corshell days brother
  • disappointed (20/07/2023, 16:44) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    I don't know what is more disappointing, the drug bust or the comments!
  • Me (20/07/2023, 18:35) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Post those criminals name/pictures sowe all can see who we living amongst.I bet the last Anguilla issue is related.The news stated "after outside information this happen so give outside info. credit cause our resource is very incompetent.
    • ANGUILLA ARREST SILENT (20/07/2023, 19:27) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Still no release of names for the Anguilla arrest.
      • Listen to the Press (20/07/2023, 22:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You should have listen to the Press Conference where the Commissioner clearly stated that there is no BVI persons amongst the arrest in Anguilla.
  • Set up! (20/07/2023, 22:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anguilla Arrest was a exchange. Ppl the dope Bug.
  • Ho (20/07/2023, 22:35) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Cant beleive,drug bust
    And ignorant blame the police
    What the f... going on
  • pray (20/07/2023, 22:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I want to say a speedy recovery to the injured police officers, putting their lives at risk protecting the BVI. No one mention in the comments for these brave people.
  • HMMM (21/07/2023, 04:34) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    When Jaspert said the place corrupted and full of drugs, everybody was down his throat.
    Come on ppl! Ayo begging for UK to step in.


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