RVIPF intercepts vessel, seizes illegal narcotics; vessel
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said a joint operation on the night of December 8, 2025, intercepted a vessel and recovered a quantity of illegal narcotics, describing the matter as a "dynamic investigation" in a December 9 press release. New reporting by VINO names the vessel as the C Elizabeth II and cites sources saying the drugs are cocaine, but police have not confirmed the vessel's identity, the type or quantity of narcotics, or any arrests; Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger asked for patience and said a formal release will follow "once we are in a position to do so."
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced in a press release on December 9, 2025, that a joint operation with other law enforcement partners intercepted a vessel overnight and recovered a quantity of illegal narcotics. Police described the matter as a "dynamic investigation" and said they and their partners would provide further information as the inquiry continues.
The force urged residents and mariners to follow official RVIPF channels for updates and warned against sharing unverified reports that could hamper the inquiry. According to BVI News, the vessel was stopped in waters surrounding the territory; the police release did not specify the vessel's name.
Local media have reported different identifications for the craft, with some outlets suggesting it was a local barge and others naming it differently. An update from Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) has added further detail: VINO reports the vessel on which the drugs were seized is named the C Elizabeth II, though the RVIPF did not include the name in its public release.
VINO also reported, citing unnamed sources, that the narcotics recovered were cocaine. The police have not publicly confirmed the vessel's identity or the type of drugs found. Authorities remain tight-lipped on the exact quantity of narcotics recovered. VINO noted police are still unable to disclose the amount seized, and as of the latest reports there has been no confirmation of any arrests following the joint operation carried out on Monday night, December 8, 2025.
Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger told VINO's News Centre around 12:00 PM that he "would kindly ask for your patience as our teams are relentlessly working." He added a formal press release would be issued "once we are in a position to do so." Those comments reiterate the RVIPF's position that operational details remain sensitive while investigators work.
This interception comes amid ongoing regional efforts to curb maritime drug trafficking. BVI News reminded readers of a major operation in March 2024, when local and US authorities seized 60 bales of cocaine — reported as the largest maritime drug bust in BVI history — estimated at about 1.8 tonnes and a street value near US$180 million.
That earlier seizure, and other busts involving containers and vessels, underscore continued vigilance in monitoring sea lanes. The RVIPF said it worked with "other law enforcement partners" in the latest operation but did not name those partners in its initial release. Regional and international cooperation has been a consistent element of maritime interdiction work in and around the Virgin Islands as agencies seek to disrupt organised criminal networks using maritime routes.
Members of the public who witnessed suspicious activity at sea or who may have information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the police through official reporting channels. The RVIPF reiterated the importance of reporting credible information through proper channels rather than circulating unverified accounts on social media.
The initial account of the seizure was carried by VINO, with additional reporting from BVI News; BVI Live will update readers as the RVIPF or partner agencies release more information.
Primary source: VINO