Police Commissioner Elton Lewis announced today that a joint initiative of the Virgin Islands Police Department and DEA/HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) has successfully concluded with the conviction of a St. Croix man. Ronald Julien, a 39-year old taxi driver, was found guilty by a District Court jury on Tuesday, November 21, 2006. He was tried on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.

The charges stem from a May 19, 2006 incident when Mr. Julien played a role in an undercover buy of crack cocaine. According to Detective-Corporal Angel Diaz, a VIPD Officer assigned to HIDTA, officers had been investigating Mr. Julian since February 2006. Mr. Julian was arrested on July 19, 2006.

Commissioner Lewis says the VIPD joins DEA/HIDTA in working to eradicate drug crime and activity throughout the territory.

Persons who have information regarding drug activity in their communities are asked to contact the confidential DEA Tip line at (340)773-5836.