2 USVI police officers, National Guards held in US cocaine bust
Two police officers from the St Thomas-St John District, a former [US] Virgin Islands Port Authority enforcement officer and other persons, including members of the USVI National Guard were caught in Florida's Opa-Locka County with over 300 kilos of cocaine, well-placed sources with knowledge of the bust have told the Consortium.
According to these sources, who requested anonymity to speak freely on a developing matter, St Thomas Police Officers Shakim Mike and Tishaun Adams, along with former Port Authority Officer Jakelah Adolphine were taken into custody last night, January 12, 2021, as part of the operation.
There were said to be at least 6 people involved, including US Virgin Islands National Guard members. Mr Mike and Mr Adams are both said to be National Guard members, with one serving on the Guard's Counterdrug Task Force. Mr Adolphine, who was hired at the Port Authority on April 30, 2018, was let go on February 26, 2020.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe did not comment on the former employee, stating he had no knowledge of the arrests.
Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Public Information Officer Toby Derima said he was aware of the incident, but refrained from commenting further.
The VIPD had called a press conference for today at 10:00 am, but called it off at the last minute without explanation. The police force had since planned another press event set to take place at 1:45 pm today. Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor said he would comment during the press event.
According to the sources, a private jet flew into St Thomas last night at the Jet Center, a fixed-base operator. The jet did not request pre-clearance from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the US Virgin Islands. However, upon arrival to Opa-Locka County in Florida, the jet was searched and over 300 kilos of cocaine discovered.
One source told the Consortium that CBP officers were chasing the police officers, who were trying to evade capture, on the tarmac in Opa-Locka County.
There were said to be at least 6 people involved, including US Virgin Islands National Guard members. Mr Mike and Mr Adams are both said to be National Guard members, with one serving on the Guard's Counterdrug Task Force. Mr Adolphine, who was hired at the Port Authority on April 30, 2018, was let go on February 26, 2020.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe did not comment on the former employee, stating he had no knowledge of the arrests.
Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Public Information Officer Toby Derima said he was aware of the incident, but refrained from commenting further.
The VIPD had called a press conference for today at 10:00 am, but called it off at the last minute without explanation. The police force had since planned another press event set to take place at 1:45 pm today. Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor said he would comment during the press event.
According to the sources, a private jet flew into St Thomas last night at the Jet Center, a fixed-base operator. The jet did not request pre-clearance from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the US Virgin Islands. However, upon arrival to Opa-Locka County in Florida, the jet was searched and over 300 kilos of cocaine discovered.
One source told the Consortium that CBP officers were chasing the police officers, who were trying to evade capture, on the tarmac in Opa-Locka County.
