BVI sees spike in gun-related arrests

The British Virgin Islands is grappling with an upward trend in gun-related crimes, reflected in the number of arrests made by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in November.

According to the RVIPF’s latest arrest blotter, at least six individuals were charged with firearm-related offences last month. On November 15, police arrested 32-year-old Richard Baronville from Long Bush and 24-year-old Kahlim Smith from Nottingham Estate, charging them with possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.

Two days later, 20-year-old Daniel Maduro from Long Bush was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives. On November 29, 45-year-old Luiz Bethelmy from Great Mountain and Dania Castello were both charged with keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives. Additionally, 18-year-old Keanus Smart from Free Bottom was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and unlawful possession of explosives. Details of this incident were not disclosed.