ST. CROIX — Two 23-year-olds were taken into custody early Wednesday morning after V.I. Police Department officers discovered a firearm and ammunition while executing a search and arrest warrant at the "Mt. Pleasant Project", according to a VIPD news release issued December 17.

The operation occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. when members of the VIPD Criminal Investigation Bureau, assisted by the Special Operations Bureau, arrived at the location to execute a search warrant and an arrest warrant for Dreadisha Peguero in connection with an assault and robbery investigation.

During the search of the apartment, officers recovered a firearm along with two magazines containing ammunition. Police said both Dreadisha Peguero and Ian Benjamin Jr., who was also present inside the apartment at the time of the search, denied ownership of the weapon.

Peguero and Benjamin, both 23 years old, were transported to the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station, where they were advised of their rights and placed under arrest. According to the department, both individuals were charged with carrying a firearm openly or concealed.

Bail for each defendant was set at $50,000. Police said neither individual was able to post bail and both were remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility.

Their Advice of Rights hearing is scheduled for Thursday at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.

The VIPD did not release additional details regarding the underlying assault and robbery investigation tied to the execution of the warrants.