A CBP evidence area; not the drug confiscation involving the VIPD police officers. Photo Credit: CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
Two police officers from the St. Thomas-St. John District and members of the V.I. National Guard were caught in Florida's Opa-Locka Airport with large amounts cocaine, well-placed sources with knowledge of the bust have told the Consortium.
According to these sources, who requested anonymity to speak freely on a developing matter, St. Thomas Police Officers Shakim Mike and Teshaun Adams.
There were said to be at least 6 people involved, including V.I. National Guard members. Mr. Mike and Mr. Adams are both said to be National Guard members, with one serving on the Guard's Counterdrug Task Force.
V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima said he was aware of the incident, but refrained from commenting further. The V.I.P.D. had called a press conference for today at 10:00 a.m., but called it off at the last minute without explanation. The police force has since planned another press event set to take place at 1:45 p.m today. Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor said he would comment during the press event. The Consortium will carry it live on our website and Facebook page.
According to the sources, a private jet flew into St. Thomas last night at the Jet Center, a fixed-base operator. The jet did not request pre-clearance from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, upon arrival to Opa-Locka County in Florida, the jet was searched and over 300 kilos of cocaine discovered.
One source told the Consortium that CBP officers were chasing the police officers, who were trying to evade capture, on the tarmac in Opa-Locka County.
Update: Previously, the Consortium reported that former Port Authority Officer Jakelah Adolphine was taken into custody last night as part of the operation, but after receiving a copy of the complaint, there is no evidence that Mr. Adolphine was involved in the matter and V.I. Consortium regrets the error.
