The operation was reportedly carried out around 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 6, 2021, according to reports reaching our newsroom.

Sources close to the operation told our newsroom that the individual arrested was approached while at a gas station in Cane Garden Bay.

A search conducted of his taxi bus allegedly led to the discovery of a number of duffle bags containing blocks of cocaine, sums of cash and other 'items of interest’.

Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Michael B. Matthews said this 'another major seizure against organised crime attempting to operate within the territory'.

½ ton cocaine

The cocaine is said to weigh some ½ ton.

The reports were confirmed by Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Michael B. Matthews.

“I can confirm an RVIPF planned covert operation seized over half a ton of cocaine yesterday evening - one person arrested and investigation very much live. This another major seizure against organised crime attempting to operate within the territory,” Mr Matthews told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

Mr Matthews also shared information about the drug bust on his Twitter page.

“Another major seizure here overnight - an RVIPF planned operation has netted over half ton of Cocaine and offenders in custody. This follows on the heels of 259 kilos seized in January and 2.3 tons last November - RVIPF targeting organised criminality. #keepingourcommunitiessafe,” Mr Matthews tweeted.