A significant multinational law enforcement operation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has culminated in the arrest of six Caribbean nationals and the confiscation of a substantial cocaine shipment. The suspects, now facing serious drug trafficking charges, were apprehended following intelligence reports of suspicious maritime activities within territorial waters.
The detained individuals have been identified as Candido Rios Quezada (St Kitts and Nevis national); Francisco Mejia Ortiz, 21; Joel Santana Santos, 39; Jermife Toribio Vasquez, 40; Cesar Diaz Abrahim, 30; and Ronald James, 49, representing both the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago. Legal proceedings have commenced against them for importation of a controlled substance and four counts of possession with intent to supply.
Authorities revealed that the coordinated response involved multiple agencies including BVI customs, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Caricom Joint Regional Command Centre. The operation successfully intercepted a vessel engaged in illicit trafficking, recovering 772.4 kilograms of cocaine without incident during the apprehension.
This seizure continues a pattern of successful anti-narcotics operations in the region. In March 2024, authorities made a historic seizure of approximately 1,800 kilograms of cocaine near Hodges Creek, Tortola, followed by another significant interception of 1,440 kilograms off Virgin Gorda in June 2025.
Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger praised the collaborative effort, emphasizing its impact on regional criminal networks. “This seizure demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together with precision, intelligence and determination,” Ullger stated. “The removal of more than 770 kilograms of cocaine from circulation represents a major blow to organized crime.” Ullger further commended all participating officers and partner agencies for their professionalism and dedication to safeguarding the Virgin Islands. The estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics was not disclosed by authorities.