HM Customs and RVIPF Sign Contraband Memorandum
His Majesty’s Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding to govern the seizure, handling, transfer and destruction of contraband across the Virgin Islands. The agreement, announced by the Government of the Virgin Islands, clarifies procedures, aligns with existing contraband policy and a law review recommendation, and includes expanded public contact details for further enquiries.
His Majesty’s Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a formal, structured partnership to govern the seizure, handling, transfer and destruction of contraband across the Territory, the Government of the Virgin Islands said.
According to the government release, Commissioner of Customs Mr. Greg Romney (Ag) said he welcomed the formal arrangement, noting that the two agencies have a history of joint operations. Romney said, "The Customs Department and the Royal Virgin Islands have always co-operated in joint operations in the past; I am very pleased to see the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which will structure and solidify the collaboration from these two key Government entities." The statement was provided by HM Customs and the RVIPF in the government announcement.
Richard Ullger underlined the public safety benefits of the agreement. "Creating a safer community is the best interest of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, and now that the MOU was inked we are even more committed and further strengthened to continue to give the community full support," he said, as quoted in the same release.
The MOU aligns with HM Customs' Contraband Policy – DSHD Policy (100) and implements Recommendation 45 of the HMICFRS Law Review, Volume 1, the government noted. Officials say the agreement will enhance transparency, ensure legal compliance and promote accountability in how contraband is managed across agencies, creating a clear, shared framework for information sharing and operational cooperation.
Practical benefits described in the government statement include reduced procedural delays, improved chain-of-custody records, better evidence handling for court cases, and clearer pathways for the lawful destruction of prohibited items. The formal arrangement is intended to reduce confusion over custody, storage and disposal after seizures, and to strengthen oversight and public confidence.
The release also reiterated the core roles of the two agencies: Customs collects government revenue and enforces import controls while working to prevent restricted and prohibited goods from entering the Territory; the RVIPF's mission is to keep people, places and communities of the Virgin Islands safe.
The MOU is intended to bring those responsibilities into closer operational alignment. For residents, the memorandum should translate into more consistent enforcement and clearer outcomes following the seizure of illegal goods. The government said the signing demonstrates a shared commitment to best practice, accountability and good governance.
For more information, the Government of the Virgin Islands invited media and the public to use its communications channels: BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com, phone (284) 468-3701, WhatsApp 1(284) 468-9760, or visit 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Tortola. The announcement was published by the Government of the Virgin Islands and distributed by HM Customs and the RVIPF.
Primary source: BVI Government