CHARLOTTE AMALIE — An air traveler found who flew into the St. Thomas airport with a handgun and magazine in his son’s checked luggage seven months ago was given 1.5 years of probation today in U.S. District Court. Wayne Smith was sentenced to 18 months probation on his conviction for causing a firearm to be […]
Tag: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Customs And Border Protection Fully Automates Cargo Processing In The U.S. Virgin Islands
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) embarked on an automated cargo process that will modernize and enhance the traditional way to process cargo in the territory. In an effort to increase the safety of employees and the community, CBP implemented an online electronic box where shipping documents can be uploaded 24/7. Overnight […]
Man In ‘Compression Shirt’ To Hide 2.35 Pounds Of Cocaine Strapped To His Underwear Pleads Guilty
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A man who tried to smuggle 2.35 pounds of cocaine strapped to his body going through King Airport on St. Thomas one year ago admitted to his role as part of a plea bargain agreement with federal prosecutors today. Miguel Batista, Jr., 27, of St. Thomas, pled guilty to possession of a […]
St. Thomas Man Who Mailed Cocaine Disguised As Candy Bars Gets 1.3 Years In Prison
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man who tried to mail a pound of cocaine disguised as candy bars to the U.S. mainland last year got just over a year in prison from a federal judge, authorities said. Kemo Riley, 43, of St. Thomas was sentenced for mailing a package containing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Gretchen […]
Coast Guard Rescues Body Boarder In Distress At Surfer’s Beach in Aguadilla
SAN JUAN — The crew of a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescued a body boarder in distress at Surfer’s Beach Saturday afternoon in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. A man in his late 20’s was rescued. He was discovered during a routine patrol by a local police officer. The Puerto Rico Police Department […]
Feds Seize Record $27 Million In Cash Aboard Ship Headed To St. Thomas
SAN JUAN — Federal authorities found $27 million in undeclared cash Saturday on a ship set to travel from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced in a press release. “Legal currency can be transported if properly declared under U.S. law. Transnational Criminal Organizations seek to conceal proceeds and move it […]
$6 Million Worth of Cocaine Seized By Coast Guard From ‘Go-Fast’ Boat Near Colombia
SAN JUAN — Authorities seized $6 million worth of cocaine and arrested three people on a “go-fast” smuggling boat while on a routine patrol in the Caribbean Sea. Officials said the suspicious boat was spotted Monday by a Navy helicopter crew from the USS Kidd working with the Coast Guard and law enforcement. The helicopter crew […]
‘Prettyboy’ Ludvig Gets 2.75 Years In Prison For Having $638,000 Worth Of Cocaine In His Luggage To Atlanta
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man who had 50 pounds of cocaine in his checked luggage at the Cyril E. King Airport got 2.75 years in prison from a federal judge today. Shahime “Prettyboyswagg” Ludvig, Jr., 22, of St. Thomas, was given that term today after his conviction for possessing cocaine with intent to […]
Feds: Former Plaza Extra Cashier Caught Bringing 167 Pounds Of Ganja To C.E.K.
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A former Plaza Extra cashier was arrested for attempting to bring 167 pounds of marijuana to the territory on Wednesday, authorities said. Idesha Patricia Sterrod was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C. F. Shappert said. According to court records, Sterrod arrived at the Cyril […]
Federal Judge Gives Slap On The Wrist To Georgia Native Who Fled Territory After Drug Smuggling Conviction
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A Georgia native who admitted in federal court to bringing 33 pounds of marijuana to St. Thomas was given less than two years in prison for that offense. Keenan Powell-Ryder, 24, of Gainesville, Ga. was sentenced today following his guilty plea for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, United States Attorney […]