Joint U.S.-British Operation Nets Largest Ever Narcotics Bust in BVI Waters

Just under a month since the seizure of over 2100 kilograms of cocaine in a joint operation between U.S. and British authorities, a similar collaborative effort resulted in the recovery of 60 bales of the illegal narcotic last week, representing the “largest sea seizure to date” in the British Virgin Islands, according to BVI Police Commissioner Mark Collins.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter reportedly assisted officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force chase down and intercept a go-fast vessel which was spotted just off of Hodges Creek Tortola in the wee hours of Tuesday, March 5.

Pursued by the CBP helicopter, the occupants made their way to the Hodges Creek Marina, where they abandoned the vessel and escaped on foot. Authorities who took possession of the go-fast after it had been ditched by its occupants reportedly found 60 bales of cocaine on board as well as various other belongings.