ST. JOHN – As part of a continuing effort to crackdown on illegal activity throughout the territory the Virgin Islands Police Department and St. John Administrator Leona Smith spear-headed a collaborative inspection of two St. John businesses that have been subjects of reports of illicit activities. “It was a successful and necessary operation with the aim of making St. John a more safe and prosperous place to live.” said Deputy Chief Darren Foy. Natures Nook and Cap’s Place were targets of this inspection.

The V.I. Fire Service issued citations to businesses for violations of fire codes. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs issued citations to the establishments as well as a clothing vendor who was operating in the area without proper licensing. Citations were issued by the Department of Health. V.I. Lottery officers confiscated tickets for the Puerto Rican Lottery, as sale and distribution of those tickets is illegal in the territory. During the inspection of Cap’s Place fourteen (14) undocumented individuals were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. VIPD officers also recovered eleven (11) bags of crack-cocaine found behind a video gambling machine.

Police Commissioner James H. McCall praised the collaborative effort as evidence of the Governors mandate at work, “I’d like to commend all the local and federal agencies who participated and made this, the first of many similar operations, a success.”, McCall said, adding “We will continue to use every resource available to us to combat any illicit activity in the territory.”

Responding Agencies

• VIPD
• V.I. Fire Service
• U.S. Marshals
• V.I. Lottery
• Department of Health
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• St. John Administrator
• Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs