Teens Charged After Illegal Gun Seizure
Two 18-year-old men were arrested after police recovered two illegal firearms and 34 rounds of ammunition during an early-morning stop in the Diamond Estate area. Both remain in custody charged with multiple weapons offences and are due to appear before the Magistrate’s Court.
Two 18-year-old men have been charged after officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered two illegal firearms and ammunition during an early-morning operation in the Diamond Estate area last Friday. Police identified the suspects as Jahvin Chinnery of Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, and Yrvin Stephens of Lower Estate.
Both were arrested following a mobile patrol stop and search of a vehicle that led to the discovery of the weapons and 34 rounds of ammunition. They have been charged with Keeping a Firearm without a Licence, Unlawful Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives for the ammunition.
Both men remain in custody pending their appearance before the Magistrate’s Court. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the officers involved, saying the recovery was “a direct result of the vigilance of our officers who remain committed to safeguarding our communities.” She reiterated that illegal firearms “have no place in the Virgin Islands” and that law enforcement will continue decisive action against those found in possession of weapons.
The RVIPF has asked members of the public to assist with intelligence by reporting suspicious activity to the Intelligence Unit or through Crime Stoppers, stressing that all information will be treated in strict confidence. The police message follows a steady increase in firearm-related arrests in recent months and heightened enforcement activity after concerns raised at the recent Crime Summit, which brought community leaders and law enforcement together to discuss strategies to curb violent crime.
For residents of the BVI, the arrests underline ongoing police efforts to remove weapons from the streets and reduce the risk of gun-related incidents in neighbourhoods across the territory. Authorities have repeatedly warned that unlawful possession of firearms carries serious penalties under local legislation and urged cooperation with police to help keep communities safe.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials have said continued public support, timely reporting of intelligence, and community engagement will be essential in sustaining the momentum from recent operations. The RVIPF has also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to use official reporting channels rather than confronting suspected offenders directly.
Primary source: BVI News