On Thursday, January 18, 2024, while conducting a stop and search operation on Virgin Gorda, Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force stopped a vehicle containing three male occupants. During the search two firearms; a Rifle and Hand Pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a substantial quantity of drugs believed to be cannabis were found.

Akeem E. Joseph, 37, of St Croix, USVI and Kyreek Gardner, 22 of The Valley, Virgin Gorda were jointly charged with Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, Keeping an Unlicensed Firearm, ⁠two counts of Unlawful Possession of explosives, Unlawful possession of Cannabis and ⁠Unlawful possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply. They remain in custody until the next available sitting at the Magistrate’s Court.

The third occupant escaped on foot and remains at-large. He is described as 5 ft tall, dark skin complexion, with plaited hair. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a red top, blue jeans, and a gold chain.

Persons who can assist police with information regarding this incident or the identity of the escapee can confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at 1-284- 800-8477 with the relevant information or contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.