Crime
$2.84 Million in Marijuana stopped; Drugs found on illegal Haitian boats
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, August 22, 2024 – Nearly three million dollars in marijuana was stopped from making it into the Turks and Caicos Islands when the search of illegally landed vessels turned up Cannabis sativa this past Saturday August 17.
Edvin Martin, Commissioner of Police said it was alerts from members of the public and partnership with the TCI Border Force and
TCI Regiment that led to the illicit discovery, which is valued at $2,836,592 million. The drugs were found after searches of three different boats on Friday August 16 and Saturday August 17.
Also found, 56 illegal Haitians.
“Fifteen illegal migrants were detained. Officers conducted searches in the vicinity of the landing site and discovered cannabis sativa with an estimated street value of US$131,660.00,” informed the commissioner in a Sunday press release.
Three children, six women and 32 men were found when two more boats were discovered, already landed at Jones Cay.
“Forty-one illegals – Thirty-two males and six females, inclusive of three minors were detained. Officers also seized cannabis sativa with an estimated street value of US$2,704,932.00.”
Cannabis sativa is the marijuana plant, used recreationally due to its higher levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol ) and images provided by the Royal TCI Police showed bags stuffed to capacity with the marijuana.
This was another chance discovery by authorities. Often officers are heading to these vessels with no idea what they may or may not find. In this case, a fast acting squad got to the millions in marijuana before anyone else did.
Last year, a similar string of drug discoveries were made by TCI Police. In August the figure was just over $840,000 worth of illegal marijuana and cocaine found abandoned in or near the ocean.
“The journey that illegal migrants take across the sea to arrive in the Turks and Caicos Islands is treacherous, which endangers their lives. Additionally, the trafficking of illicit contraband, such as Cannabis, into the Turks and Caicos Islands is an offence with serious penalties. The RTCIPF and its law enforcement partners are resolute in finding the people involved in the smuggling of people and trafficking of illegal drugs and will pursue all leads to bring them to justice.”
This is the largest haul of illegal drugs reported since the start of operations of the TCI Border Force in October last year.
Turks and Caicos, 05th January, 2025 – Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Serious Crime Unit are investigating a shooting that occurred this morning in Wheeland, Blue Hills.
At approximately 7:00 a.m., the Police Control Room received reports of gunshots near the basketball court in Wheeland. Officers promptly responded to the scene, where they discovered a 54-year-old male with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was immediately transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim was driving a blue Honda Fit when he offered a ride to an individual. During the journey, the passenger demanded to be dropped off at a specific location. When the victim refused, he was shot by the passenger.
The suspect subsequently fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, which police later recovered.
The RTCIPF is urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward.
Individuals can contact the nearest police station, call 911, reach the Serious Crime Unit directly at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share tips and information about illegal activities securely.
Your assistance can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
Turks and Caicos, December 31, 2024 – Six individuals, including a female minor, have been charged with various firearm-related offences following investigations conducted by the Serious Crime Unit.
The accused are expected to appear in the Magistrate’s Court next week.
On December 24th, 24-year-old SMALEY LOUIS was charged with the following offences:
- One count of Possession of an Imitation Firearm with Intent to Cause Fear. One count of Gang Membership.
On December 26th, officers charged twin brothers GIVESON MARC and GUBERSON MARC.
The brothers, aged 20, are charged with the following offences:
- One count of Possession of an Imitation Firearm with Intent to Cause Fear.
- One count of Possession of Ammunition.
- One count of Gang Membership.
The charges against Mr Louis and the Marc brothers were laid following investigations into an incident reported on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
On Thursday, December 26, 2024, the following individuals from Dock Yard, Providenciales, were charged:
- ROSEMIRLINE PIERRE, 24
- WOODSON GAY,23, and
- A 15-year-old female -Given that the accused is a minor, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force cannot name nor release her photograph.
The accused face the following charges:
- One count of Possession of Ammunition.
- One count of Illegal Entry.
These charges stemmed from an operation in Dock Yard on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
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