UPDATE: 3 fishermen arrested, charged in $34M 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.
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50 Responses to “UPDATE: 3 fishermen arrested, charged in $34M drug bust ”
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!
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.
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..
These man as police just got a big eat. Trust me. Trust no one.
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?
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
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