Drug boats still using BVI as transshipment hub, police chief says

Boats are still using the British Virgin Islands as a drop-off point for illegal drugs destined for the United States mainland, according to Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger.

Ullger disclosed the ongoing activity during a recent radio programme, saying vessels stop at different islands in the territory to offload merchandise as part of an international transshipment operation. "They stop over in different islands, drop off their merchandise to get it eventually to mainland USA. It is happening, yes, absolutely," he said.

The police chief acknowledged that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force cannot address the drug trade independently. He said the force is working with His Majesty's Customs, the Immigration Department and United States partners, including authorities in the US Virgin Islands, to combat the problem.

Ullger also revealed that the RVIPF recently took part in a major multinational operation involving South American countries that resulted in the seizure of more than 4.8 tonnes of cocaine, though he did not provide additional details about the operation.

The commissioner linked the drug trade and gang activity to the proliferation of illegal firearms in the territory. He warned that tackling the gun problem would require serious commitment, saying "It's going to be very, very difficult to try and rid this place of guns if we're not serious about it." Removing illegal firearms would represent a significant victory for the territory, Ullger said, but stressed that success depends on support from police, elected officials and the wider community.