CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas woman allegedly admitted to police during a routine traffic stop that she was smoking marijuana while driving — what she didn’t tell them is that she also had cocaine in her vehicle.
Kelsii Edwards, 26, of 7B Contant, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute after 11:59 p.m. Thursday, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
VIPD officers from the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Special Operations, U.S. Marshals and Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a Traffic Initiative Checkpoint on Veterans Drive late Thursday night.
During the initiative, police noticed a Jeep Cherokee, driven by Edwards, making an illegal lane change to avoid the checkpoint.
Officers pursued the vehicle and were able to make a successful traffic stop.
“Officers approached Edwards and saw baggies of what appeared to be marijuana in the vehicle,” VIPD spokesman Karl Caesar said. “When questioned by officers, Edwards told officers she was smoking marijuana. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found additional baggies containing a white powdery substance. “
Police conducted a field test of the substance that resulted in a positive identification as cocaine.
Edwards posted bail set by order of the Superior Court of an unspecified amount, according to Caesar. She was released immediately upon her own recognizance.
Caesar told the Virgin Islands Free Press at 5:29 p.m. Sunday that Edwards only posted $1,000.00 in order to remain free on St. Thomas.
Anyone having any information about this or any other crime is asked to please contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at (340) 774-2211, Major Crime Unit at (340) 714-9830 or the Criminal Investigation Bureau (340) 714-9807. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-(800) 222-8477 or 911.
“We need your help and the entire community’s involvement,” Caesar said.