21-year-old Keron Hodge was arrested and charged after an operation by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on Sunday led to the seizure of an AK-47 rifle and a quantity of ammunition.
Police confirmed the charges in a media release on Wednesday, September 6.
The release stated that officers of the Criminal Investigations Department seized the rifle and ammunition from a home in Free Bottom.
Hodge, who resides in Purcell Estate, was the lone person arrested, and he was charged with one count of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
Police said Hodge will remain in custody until his first appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.
Speaking on the breakthrough, the RVIPF said that it will continue to do its part in reducing the number of illegal firearms on the streets of the territory, warning that all persons found in possession will be arrested.
In an appeal to the public, the police are asking residents to provide information on suspected persons or the locations where firearms are being hidden or imported.
“Persons can confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas call 1-284-800-8477 with the relevant information or contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339,” the RVIPF stated.