Over 1,400 kilograms of cocaine—worth an estimated $144 million—were seized during a high-stakes multi-agency operation between June 17–18, 2025. The effort involved His Majesty’s Customs, the Department of Immigration, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force , and external law enforcement partners. The recovery took place in rugged, cliffside terrain off Virgin Gorda’s coast following the discovery of a wrecked vessel during a marine chase.
Due to the inaccessibility of the crash site and deteriorating drug packaging, officials—after consultation with the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions—made the decision to burn the remaining cocaine on-site. The destruction was witnessed by independent observers and fully documented for court proceedings.
Several officers were injured during recovery, including from falling debris and respiratory exposure, despite wearing protective gear such as N95 masks.
Of the 1,400 kilograms of cocaine seized, 91 kilograms were preserved as evidence, while the remaining bulk—scattered across rugged terrain and exposed to the elements—was destroyed in a controlled on-site fire.
Authorities confirmed that the vessel involved in the seizure was believed to be headed toward the Virgin Islands but ultimately ended up in BVI waters after being pursued. There is currently no evidence the suspects intentionally sought to enter the territory; rather, they arrived as a result of the chase and worsening sea conditions.
The seven individuals arrested were all Spanish-speaking nationals from the Dominican Republic, and were the only persons believed to have been on the vessel. No additional suspects have been identified at this time. Investigations remain active, and several suspects—identified as foreign nationals—are in custody on drug trafficking and immigration charges. The RVIPF continues to urge the public to report suspicious activity.