Two High-Powered Rifles Seized
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced on August 7, 2026, the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition during ongoing investigations, including two high-powered rifles. The items have been secured and sent for forensic examination; no arrests were reported and the force is urging the public to provide any information.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced on August 7, 2026, that officers recovered several firearms and ammunition as part of ongoing investigations into recent violent incidents. The seizure, the RVIPF said, is part of continued efforts to disrupt violent crime and remove illegal weapons from circulation in the Virgin Islands.
According to the RVIPF press release, the items recovered include: 1 Glock pistol with one pistol magazine 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition 2 high-powered rifles with three rifle magazines 100 rounds of 5.56 calibre ammunition All recovered items have been secured and submitted for forensic examination while investigations continue.
The statement did not indicate any arrests connected to the recoveries. Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger said the seizure represents “another significant disruption to the circulation of illegal firearms within the Virgin Islands.” He added, “Removing these firearms from circulation is a direct result of that dedication and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to making the Virgin Islands safer for everyone.” Ullger also acknowledged public concern over community violence and said officers are making meaningful progress, though he declined to discuss specifics of active investigations.
For BVI residents, the recovery underscores ongoing police activity aimed at reducing the potential for serious violence linked to illegal weapons. High-powered rifles and quantities of 5.56 ammunition are of particular concern to law enforcement because of their greater range and lethality compared with small-calibre handguns.
The RVIPF's move to submit recovered items for forensic analysis seeks to establish ownership, trace origins and build evidence for possible prosecutions. The RVIPF is urging anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity to come forward. Tips can be given to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9512, or reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
The force has said all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. The RVIPF says it will continue targeted operations to remove illegal weapons from the streets as part of broader crime-prevention efforts aimed at protecting communities across the Virgin Islands.
Primary source: VINO