Two men were arrested Monday after detectives discovered loaded firearms, ammunition and marijuana during a traffic stop on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
The arrests occurred about 6:24 p.m. Monday when Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives observed a Dodge Durango traveling without a rear license plate in the vicinity of Paradise Road, police said.
Police identified the driver as Mindo Byron and the front seat passenger as Mitche Matthew Jr. Byron was unable to provide a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance or registration, and a check confirmed the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured, according to the police report.
The vehicle was impounded. During an inventory prior to towing, detectives found two loaded firearms, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside, police said.
A check with the Firearms Bureau showed neither man was authorized to carry a firearm or ammunition in the territory, according to police.
Both men were taken to the Criminal Investigation Bureau and charged with carrying of a firearm openly or concealed, possession or sale of ammunition, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and operating a motor vehicle with no affixed license plates.
Bail was set at $50,000 each. Unable to post bail, both were remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correction Facility pending an advice of rights hearing, police said.
