Two officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department were arrested in a developing drug-related incident on Tuesday, VIPD officials said at a press conference held Wednesday afternoon. V.I. National Guard soldiers may have been involved in the incident as well.
“Last night in Florida there were two of our officers who were arrested pursuant to an investigation involving the transshipment of narcotics,” said Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor.
The two officers, Tishaun Adams and Shakim Mike, operated out of the St. Thomas/St. John District and had both been employed by VIPD for the past four years. The case is an active federal investigation led by the Department of Homeland Security.
“The Virgin Islands Police Department plans to cooperate fully in this investigation,” Velinor said. “I denounce any engagement with criminal activity, specifically by law enforcement officers.”
According to Velinor, there were more Virgin Islanders involved in the drug bust and the case is currently ongoing. Velinor assured listeners that more information will be provided once it becomes available.
“I support us fully prosecuting them and terminating their privilege to serve our community in that capacity,” Velinor said. “Not everyone needs to be in policing.”
Regarding the possibility of V.I. National Guard troops being involved, V.I. National Guard Brigadier Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker said, “We [are] attentively following this case and will take applicable measures when appropriate in accordance with military law and regulations.”
