CHRISTIANSTED — Police, acting on a tip, found a “large” package of cocaine on a South Shore St. Croix beach and two men near the contraband escaped from the area, authorities said.
The 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to Halfpenny Beach about 7:31 a.m. Monday regarding a suspicious package that was located by a concerned citizen, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
When police arrived at the beach, officers observed a male individual with a package, the VIPD said. Officers approached the person with the package, at which time the individual dropped the package and ran from the area. Officers also observed a second man in the area, who ran away. Each man escaped from the scene and is at large.
The package, containing a large amount of cocaine, was turned over to U.S. Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and HIDTA Task Force agents for further investigation, VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said..
St. Croix District Chief of Police Sidney Elskoe thanked the citizens who contacted police.
“We need everyone to contact us at the first sign of suspicious activity or items, so we can be on top of the situation,” Chief Elskoe said.
He urges everyone who has information on crimes to call 911, the Crime TipLine at (340) 778-4950, or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS. Remember, if you see something, say something.