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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force says it has removed eight illegal firearms from the streets since the start of 2026, highlighting what it describes as a sustained effort to curb gun-related crime across the territory.
The latest recovery which occurred on May 29, brings the number of firearms seized this year to eight. Police recovered two firearms in January, two in March, one in April and three in May.
According to the RVIPF, some of the seizures led to arrests and criminal charges, while others were made during proactive policing operations where no suspect was immediately identified.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised officers involved in the recoveries and underscored the importance of keeping illegal weapons out of the hands of criminals.
"Every firearm removed from circulation represents a potential act of violence prevented. It is particularly concerning that some of these weapons qualify as prohibited weapons because they were modified to operate as automatic firing."
She added, "the continued recovery of illegal weapons demonstrates the vigilance of our officers and our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. We encourage members of the public to continue sharing information with the police, as community support remains vital in our efforts to combat gun-related crime."
The RVIPF has repeatedly pointed to firearm recoveries as a key part of its crime-fighting strategy, particularly amid concerns about armed robberies. Police have also continued to urge residents to provide information that could assist in the recovery of firearms and the prosecution of offenders.
The latest recovery which occurred on May 29, brings the number of firearms seized this year to eight. Police recovered two firearms in January, two in March, one in April and three in May.
According to the RVIPF, some of the seizures led to arrests and criminal charges, while others were made during proactive policing operations where no suspect was immediately identified.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised officers involved in the recoveries and underscored the importance of keeping illegal weapons out of the hands of criminals.
"Every firearm removed from circulation represents a potential act of violence prevented. It is particularly concerning that some of these weapons qualify as prohibited weapons because they were modified to operate as automatic firing."
She added, "the continued recovery of illegal weapons demonstrates the vigilance of our officers and our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. We encourage members of the public to continue sharing information with the police, as community support remains vital in our efforts to combat gun-related crime."
The RVIPF has repeatedly pointed to firearm recoveries as a key part of its crime-fighting strategy, particularly amid concerns about armed robberies. Police have also continued to urge residents to provide information that could assist in the recovery of firearms and the prosecution of offenders.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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