Wade N. Smith back in court over alleged illegal police search of home
In a first Judicial Review (JR) that took place in November 2022, Mr Smtih took the Government to court to answer the questions pertaining to why he was sent on Administrative leave.
This time, Mr. Smith has filed a new JR over the alleged illegal search of his home by UK police officers last year.
Mr. Smith is seeking to find out if the protection offered in Section 19 of the VI constitution to the people of the Virgin Islands (VI,) against the search of property or person, was violated by the UK Police Officers.
It is believed that a search may have been conducted on one of Mr. Smith’s homes while he was not there to witness the search and removal of items; however, our news center is working on more details to confirm if this indeed took place.
The JR is seeking answers in statutes, on whether the UK police officers may have acted improperly, and if the other legal procedures against arbitrary searches were followed. Attorney Mr. Williams, when reached by our newsroom, declined to comment, but confirmed that the JR was filed.
Police target of some?
It is believed that the former Customs Boss became a target of the police, after statements he made conflicted with that of Police Commissioner Mark Collins on the ‘boat bar hopping’ scandal.
Mr Smith had publicly said that the boat bar hopping by some members of the police force who used a small police vessel, was not an official operation, as claimed by police boss Mark Collins. Mr Smith further detailed that if there was a police operation at sea, his department would have been involved.
Additionally, Mr Smith Custom’s department was bold enough to conduct a raid on a charter company at Nanny Cay, Tortola where some elements of the community got upset as if they were ‘untouchable’.
In the raid, they reportedly found Charter companies operating without Commercial Recreational Vessel licenses, Vessels in Violation of Importation Requirements, illegal workers, Vessels not duty paid, and persons in the territory illegally. They also discovered Vessels in the territory illegally.
The UK-sponsored Commission of Inquiry in its final report found no corruption under Mr Smith's leadership at the Customs Department. However, some residents claimed they have been the target of UK police officers because of being outspoken against double standards and unjust practices in the British Overseas Territory of the VI.
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43 Responses to “Wade N. Smith back in court over alleged illegal police search of home”
what is so fascinating after 1834 those colonialist left this territory and our people for dead however our people rise above the ashes we went from the Bird-Sanctuary also out of Grant In Aid from the colonialist
In the 20s they have returned with modern day Slick Moves(these folks kill off black people each and every day for many many years....and some of you still see nothing wrong with such behavior
back then we were put on the plantation now prison is were they want us
the slave mill continues to grind
ENOUGH SAID!!! WAKE UP BVI!!!
It is glaringly evident that the VI needs to revise the demographics of its population.
That We Are not Free!!!
So that means he can not say who,where ,when,why the Police boat or donkey can or can not go. Whether is black Pink or white man on it.
The same way the Commissioner of Police can not tell the Commissioner of Cutoms about the operation of his assets,so stop the confusión that you all are trying to create.
Leave that out of the search business. Tso completely different things and they will always be like that.
Instigator,who ever you are stop being ignorant and showing it.
You must go and read the law.
People there is only one authority that is responsible for security in this country/ Territory and that is the Police.
Ok then,can you say which other Department oath.
Come on. Don't be ignorant and show it.