A Hannah’s Estate man has been charged following the territory’s most recent drug bust at a street value of $40 million.
According to an official Royal Virgin Islands Police Force report, Olicity Lans, 24, of Hannah Estate has been charged with “importation of drugs, being concerned in the supply of drugs and possession of a control drug.”
Police Commissioner Michael Matthews told 284 Media that just before 3pm on Sunday, the RVIPF was alerted by US law enforcement authorities.
“I received contact from the US Coast Guard informing me that they were pursuing a fast boat that was heading towards Tortola and was seeking the assistance of the BVI’s law enforcement authorities. I gave permission for the US Law enforcement officers to continue pursuing that vessel into our waters which subsequently stopped in the west end of Tortola, at which point our RVIPF officers and local customs officers were deployed in pursuit of the persons on board.”
ONE ARRESTED, TWO ON THE RUN
While one person has been detained, the top cop confirmed that two others are now on the run.
“As a result of the work on the ground, one person was detained following a police pursuit on the ground and that person remains in custody. But two other persons seen parting from the boat are still being actively sought at this time to help with the police investigation.”
According to sources, the two men exited the vessel, entered a truck and subsequently led police on a chase before escaping.
SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF COCAINE RECOVERED
Sunday’s boat chase resulted in $40 million worth of Cocaine, according to Commissioner Matthews.
“Thirteen bios were recovered from the water that were believed to have come off the back of this boat. Those bios have bee subsequently examined and weighed and we believe what we have received so far is 453 kilograms of what is suspected to be cocaine. That’s probably got a street value of about $40 million.”
In a recent exclusive interview with 284 Media, Commissioner Matthews confirmed that the RVIPF has seized over 3 tonnes of cocaine in recent months and further commended the force on a job well done.
“We have seized over 3 tonnes of cocaine in just four months in the territory. Now that’s not by accident. That’s by hard work and detection by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.”
Matthews reiterated that many of the recent homicides are directly linked to organized crime and drug trafficking.
“It is very, vry clear and I’ve made no secret of it. Some of the homicides that we have been dealing with in recent months, and indeed in recent years, are connected to the illicit trade and the cocaine trade in particular.”
Olicity Lans will appear before the Magistrate’s Court at the next available sitting, according to police reports.