70 kilos of pot found at Port Purcell

Marijuana weighing 71.84 kilograms was found last week during a routine inspection of a container at the Port Purcell port, police said.

The drugs were discovered on Dec. 10 after customs officers identified “several suspicious items” concealed in a shipment, according to the Police Information Office.

“During the routine inspection, the customs officers discovered multiple vacuum-sealed bags containing green vegetable substance presumed to be cannabis,” police said in a Friday statement, adding that the estimated street value of the drugs was $718,400.

‘Strong message’

The Customs Department first announced the seizure last Thursday in a statement that provided few details but called on the public to join the fight against drug trafficking.

In that statement, acting Customs Commissioner Clinton Romney said the bust underscored the agency’s commitment to securing the borders from illegal drugs.

“This is a significant win in the Customs Department’s fight against drug trafficking,” he said. “It also sends a strong message to those who seek to profit from the importation of illicit drugs.”

The statement added that no one had been arrested but the drugs were handed over to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Neither customs nor police provided any more information about the bust, though police added that the matter “is currently under investigation, and additional updates will be provided as necessary.”