Inspector: 'We Will Hunt Down Distributors'
Detective Inspector Bobb warned distributors of cannabis edibles on May 30, saying police intelligence is working with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to identify and prosecute those supplying products to children. The warning came after a march in Road Town organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, amid reports of schoolchildren ingesting edibles and being hospitalised.
Detective Inspector Bobb issued a stark warning to anyone distributing cannabis edibles in the Virgin Islands following a march through Road Town on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Speaking at a gathering at Festival Grounds after the march — which was sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as part of its Bible Speaks Empowerment Series — Mr Bobb said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is aware of reports that children are finding and consuming edibles at school, sometimes sharing them with friends and ending up in hospital.
Edibles are foods or beverages infused with cannabinoids such as THC (the compound that causes intoxication) or CBD (a non-intoxicating compound sometimes used for therapeutic purposes). They can be commercially produced or homemade and include gummies, brownies, chocolates, beverages and infused oils. "These in themselves could cause serious harm to children," Mr Bobb said, noting symptoms that have been reported include vomiting, diarrhoea and high blood pressure.
He emphasised the health risks for young people and the strain such incidents place on families and health services. On enforcement, the Detective Inspector was unequivocal. "I want to send a strong message, especially to those who are distributing it, that we know about it, and our intelligence unit is working with me to make sure that we find the sources so that we can hunt you down and bring criminal charges against you for bringing these things to our young people," he said.
Mr Bobb clarified that police efforts are focused on finding suppliers rather than criminalising young people. "The unit’s job is not to criminalise young people but to educate and sensitise them about what is happening, and to get to the source of the edibles," he said. He also appealed directly to parents, guardians and church communities to be vigilant: read product labels carefully, monitor children’s belongings and seek expert advice if unsure about products. "Make sure you read the labels properly and make sure that you have someone who specialises in these areas to make sure that your children are not using them," he said.
The RVIPF said it is working closely with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to investigate and address the issue. Residents are urged to report suspicious products or activity to law enforcement to help protect children and support ongoing investigations.
Primary source: VINO