The VIPD has not yet released a mugshot of the suspect. This story will be updated if one is provided.
ST. CROIX — Police say they recovered 19.88 pounds of cannabis from a vehicle in Christiansted Friday afternoon after officers spotted suspected marijuana in plain view during a patrol near Watergut, leading to the arrest of Michael Phillips on a possession-with-intent-to-distribute charge.
Officers were patrolling the Watergut area when they stopped near the stone ruins on West Street to check the area. Police said they saw Mr. Phillips exit a parked silver Nissan Rogue, activate the vehicle’s alarm and begin walking away quickly.
When officers approached the Rogue and looked inside, they said they saw what appeared to be cannabis in several vials inside a sandwich bag on the front passenger seat. Additional suspected cannabis was visible in various bags on the dashboard, floorboards and near the center console.
Mr. Phillips was detained and reportedly unlocked the vehicle, allowing officers access.
Forensic technicians subsequently removed “numerous bags and buckets” containing a green leafy substance suspected to be cannabis. A field test performed on the material confirmed the officers’ suspicions, according to police.
Authorities said the total amount recovered from the vehicle weighed 19.88 pounds.
Mr. Phillips was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. His initial bail was set at $7,505, which he paid before being released from custody pending his advice-of-rights hearing.
During Monday’s court appearance, Magistrate Christopher Timmons found probable cause to uphold the charge against Mr. Phillips.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 16. The bail conditions imposed by the court had not been made public as of press time.
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