UPDATE: 110 blocks of cocaine recovered; 6 Venezuelans held

New information reaching our newsroom is that the six persons taken into custody following the discovery of a firearm, drugs and cash during a search of several properties in Anderson Hill, Tortola, on September 27, 2020, are all from the South American country of Venezuela.

Additionally, the drugs found were reportedly some 110 blocks of cocaine.

One of the persons held is a woman who is in her late stages of pregnancy and has since been hospitalised at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

At least three of the Venezuela nationals are believed to be illegally residing in the Territory, having overstayed their time granted by Immigration authorities.

Photo not of actual firearm recovered by police. Six persons were taken into police custody after a firearm, drugs and cash were recovered during a search of several properties in an area of Tortola by law enforcement authorities early this morning, September 27, 2020.

Six persons were taken into police custody after a firearm, drugs and cash were recovered during a search of several properties in an area of Tortola by law enforcement authorities early this morning, September 27, 2020.

According to a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), officers of the RVIPF, assisted by Immigration officers, executed a search warrant at several properties in the Anderson Hill area.

“As a result, a loaded firearm, a large quantity of drugs and cash were recovered,” the press release stated.

Police said six persons have been arrested and are presently in custody.

“The investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing.”