Dominican National Arrested After Bullet Found
A 50-year-old man from the Dominican Republic was detained after airport police allegedly discovered a live round of ammunition in his luggage during a routine check at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. He was questioned with the help of a Spanish interpreter, taken to Road Town Police Station, and the ammunition was sent to forensics while an undisclosed sum of cash was also seized.
BVI News understands that a 50-year-old Dominican Republic national was taken into custody after airport security discovered a live round of ammunition in his luggage at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. According to information received by our newsroom, the bullet was found during a routine baggage inspection of a departing passenger last Wednesday.
Officers reportedly questioned the man — who lives on a boat moored in the Baugher’s Bay area — with the assistance of a Spanish interpreter before transporting him to the Road Town Police Station for further inquiries. Police sources say the ammunition was removed and submitted to forensic officers for analysis.
An undisclosed amount of cash was also seized during the stop, though authorities have not released details about any charges or further legal action at this stage. This is not the first time a single round of ammunition has been picked up at the territory’s airport. In March this year a U.S. national was arrested after a lone round was discovered in his luggage; that man reportedly said he had not realised the ammunition had been packed.
In April 2022 a 52-year-old man was detained after a loaded firearm was found as he attempted to depart the BVI — an incident that raised questions about how the weapon had entered the territory undetected days earlier. Airport security and police in the BVI routinely conduct baggage and passenger checks to prevent the carriage of weapons and ammunition through the territory’s ports of entry.
The recent arrest underscores the ongoing focus on enforcing aviation and public safety rules and the potential consequences for travellers who attempt to carry prohibited items. Authorities have not yet issued a public statement detailing charges or the results of forensic testing.
Residents and visitors are reminded that firearms and ammunition are treated seriously by local law enforcement and should not be transported without proper permits and declarations. Anyone with questions about allowed items or airport procedures should contact the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for guidance.
BVI News will update this report as more information becomes available.
Primary source: BVI News