Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) arrested an individual in possession of an illegal firearm in the early hours of 2 August 2025, following a targeted operation to maintain public safety during festival celebrations.

The suspect was initially observed in the Festival Village area, where officers identified suspicious behaviour suggesting he might be armed. To ensure public safety, a tactical decision was made to monitor the individual until he moved to a less crowded location. Officers maintained surveillance as the suspect relocated and then safely engaged with him outside a nightclub on the outskirts of Road Town. A search of his person revealed a semi-automatic pistol along with several rounds of ammunition. This seizure marks the 15th illegal firearm recovered this year and brings the total number of rounds seized beyond 1,000.

The operation forms part of enhanced measures targeting various forms of unlawful behaviour, including alcohol and drug misuse, which are known factors contributing to violent and antisocial conduct.

Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool stated: “We fully understand and share the community’s concerns regarding unlawful behaviour during festival periods.

Additional resources have been deployed to address issues of crime and disorder. This latest recovery demonstrates our ongoing commitment to public safety.”

The Acting Commissioner commended officers for their professionalism and thanked the public for their continued vigilance, adding: “Community cooperation remains vital in these efforts. Any information regarding illegal firearms or suspicious activity should be reported immediately.”Anyone with information about illegal weapons or suspicious activity can confidentially contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.