Contrary to the speculation that occurred following the July 7 major drug bust in Anguillan waters, no locals were arrested, nor is the bust linked to the July 19 cocaine bust in East End, Tortola.
This was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Mark Collins during a recent press conference following queries by 284 Media.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force had previously reported that six persons were arrested in Anguilla, following a joint operation that involved the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, the RVIPF Marine Branch, the Royal Anguilla Police Force, and His Majesty’s Anguilla Customs Department.
The operation resulted in authorities seizing approximately 60 bales of cocaine with an estimated weight of 1.5 metric tonnes.
Commissioner Collins also revealed that there was no link between the two operations.
So far, the police have charged four persons in relation to the East End drug bust that occurred on Wednesday, July 19.
They are 34-year-old Rico Penn, 38-year-old Dion Leslie McMaster, 40-year-old Zuri Reid and 28-year-old Ruth Gonzalez Tellez.
Penn and McMaster are both charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another, unlawful possession of a controlled drug, keeping an unlicenced firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition; while Reid and Tellez are charged with keeping an unlicenced firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.