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The MV Vigilant has returned to the water as the Government moves to strengthen border protection.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who also has responsibility for Customs, recommissioned the vessel, which will bolster His Majesty’s Customs’ ability to patrol and monitor BVI waters, inspect vessels and respond to suspected violations.
According to the Office of the Premier, Dr. Wheatley said the vessel’s return demonstrates Government’s commitment to strengthening border management and ensuring Customs has the resources and operational capacity to carry out its mandate.
The recommissioning comes amid recent concerns over the continued use of the Territory’s waters for the transshipment of illegal drugs.
Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger recently disclosed that vessels continue to enter BVI waters and drop off drugs at different islands as part of international trafficking operations.
Ullger said cooperation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty’s Customs, Immigration and international partners, including agencies in the United States, remains critical to tackling the problem.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who also has responsibility for Customs, recommissioned the vessel, which will bolster His Majesty’s Customs’ ability to patrol and monitor BVI waters, inspect vessels and respond to suspected violations.
According to the Office of the Premier, Dr. Wheatley said the vessel’s return demonstrates Government’s commitment to strengthening border management and ensuring Customs has the resources and operational capacity to carry out its mandate.
The recommissioning comes amid recent concerns over the continued use of the Territory’s waters for the transshipment of illegal drugs.
Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger recently disclosed that vessels continue to enter BVI waters and drop off drugs at different islands as part of international trafficking operations.
Ullger said cooperation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty’s Customs, Immigration and international partners, including agencies in the United States, remains critical to tackling the problem.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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