The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has provided official confirmation on a previously reported drug bust that involved a Tortola-linked vessel operating in the waters of Anguilla.
In a brief statement, the RVIPF disclosed that the operation was a result of a joint international anti-narcotic smuggling effort, which involved the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, the RVIPF Marine Branch, the Royal Anguilla Police Force, and the HM Anguilla Customs Department.
This coordinated operation successfully intercepted two vessels within Anguillan territorial waters, leading to a significant drug seizure.
Upon boarding the vessels, law enforcement officers discovered six individuals on board, along with 60 bales of suspected cocaine. The total weight of the confiscated narcotics amounted to approximately 1.5 metric tonnes.
The seized substance will undergo further testing as part of the ongoing investigations being conducted by Anguillian authorities.
“This success characterises the ongoing international collaboration of law enforcement entities throughout the Caribbean which continues to disrupt and dismantle organised criminality that can negatively impact the lives of everyone”, the RVIPF said.
The statement did not provide details on the vessel’s origins or those detained during the operation.