Three fishermen have been charged following a significant drug bust on Thursday night, which led to the seizure of more than $34 million worth of cocaine.
The individuals charged are 40-year-old Julio Cabrera Martinez, 55-year-old Tomas Balbuena Acosta, and 62-year-old Remigio De Los Santos.
The trio faces charges of Possession of a Controlled Drug and Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply. The charges stem from a joint operation conducted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Unit and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
According the RVIPF, the operation took place on May 30 after 11:00 p.m., where officers intercepted a suspicious vessel. A thorough search of the vessel uncovered multiple packages believed to contain cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $34 million.
In a press release, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force highlighted the significance of the bust. Commissioner of Police Mark Collins commented on the operation’s success, stating, “This significant bust underscores the RVIPF’s ongoing commitment to disrupting drug trafficking operations in the Virgin Islands.”
The suspects are currently in custody and are awaiting their appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.