Two men have been arrested and charged after police recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition during an early morning operation in the East End district. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said officers seized a Glock pistol and six rounds of 9mm ammunition during the operation on June 11.
As a result, Antonio Diaz Montero, 50, and Wilson Lorenzo Perez, 40, were each charged with Keeping an Unlicensed Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Explosives. Perez was also charged with Illegal Entry.
The pair appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and were remanded to His Majesty’s Prison. They are scheduled to return to court on September 22. Police said the seizure marks the 12th illegal firearm recovered by the RVIPF since the start of 2026, underscoring ongoing efforts to remove illegal weapons from the Territory.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool described the recovery as significant, noting that firearms have been used in all of the Territory’s recent homicides.
“Every weapon we seize is a potential life saved. While this marks our twelfth recovery this year, we cannot become complacent. I urge every resident to stand with us, not as bystanders, but as active partners in safety. Our officers operate under challenging circumstances, yet they remain relentless in their mission to keep our communities safe, and for that they have my gratitude and admiration. If you see something, say something. Together, we can choke the supply of these dangerous weapons and keep our Territory safe,” she said.
The RVIPF said it remains committed to reducing gun-related crime and preventing illegal firearms from circulating in the Virgin Islands.