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by pltm
(PLTM) - According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIP), Pedro Samuel Sr., 58, of Diamond Estate, and Reno Alphonso, 27, of Fort Hill were both charged with possession of a controlled drug, with the intent to supply.
Both Alphonso and Samuel were also charged with failing to comply with a lawful order given by an officer.
The two men were onboard a vessel off Cooper Island Saturday afternoon, and officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Marine Branch intercepted the vessel in a drug seizure.
According to the press release from the RVIPF, “While on routine sea patrol, officers of the Marine Branch gave instructions to the captain of a suspicious vessel seen heading in the direction of Cooper Island to stop. The captain, however, attempted to evade police. A second attempt to the stop vessel was successful.”
After the vessel was intercepted and an initial search was undertaken, it was revealed that a small quantity of what appeared to be cocaine was discovered in the bow of the boat.
After a more thorough search of the vessel, a larger quantity of the substance, in the amount of approximately 400 kilograms was uncovered.
Supervisor for the Marine Branch, Acting Chief Inspector Dean Robin indicated that his officers have been dedicated in ensuring that the rule of law is adhered to in the Territory.
“These officers embrace the battle at sea with a passion and regularly stop and search suspicious vessels. We are confident that with the eyes of our Marine Branch and help from other law enforcement agencies both locally and within the U.S., persons hoping to use these waters for drug trafficking will have a very difficult time,” the Acting Chief Inspector noted.
The charged men are scheduled to appear at the next available sitting of the Magistrate’s Court.
