ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Two men have been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition during an operation in the East End district.
The early morning operation, conducted on June 11, resulted in the seizure of a Glock pistol and six rounds of 9mm ammunition, according to police.
Following the recovery, 50-year-old Antonio Diaz Montero and 40-year-old Wilson Lorenzo Perez were arrested and charged with Keeping an Unlicensed Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Explosives. Perez was additionally charged with Illegal Entry.
The men appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and were remanded to prison. They are scheduled to return to court on September 22, 2026.
The firearm seizure marks the 12th illegal weapon recovered by the RVIPF since the beginning of the year, underscoring ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb gun-related crime and remove dangerous weapons from the Territory’s streets.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool described the recovery as a significant development amid concerns over the role firearms continue to play in serious violent crimes.
“The recovery of this Glock and ammunition in East End is a stark reminder of the deadly threat that illegal firearms pose to our community,” Vanterpool said. “This is especially concerning given that firearms have been the weapon of choice in all our recent homicides.”
She added that each firearm removed from circulation represents a potential tragedy prevented.
“Every weapon we seize is a potential life saved. While this marks our twelfth recovery this year, we cannot become complacent,” the Acting Commissioner stated.
Vanterpool also called on residents to work alongside police in combating the illegal flow of firearms into the Territory.
“I urge every resident to stand with us, not as bystanders, but as active partners in safety. If you see something, say something. Together, we can choke the supply of these dangerous weapons and keep our Territory safe,” she said.
The RVIPF said it remains committed to reducing gun-related violence and preventing illegal firearms from entering and circulating within the Virgin Islands.
Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or other criminal activity to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit or Crime Stoppers anonymously.