Several people are now before the District Court after U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents interrupted an attempted smuggling operation on St. John.
On February 7, CBP Air Marine Operations (AMO) reportedly encountered Eudys Santana Santos waiting in a Suzuki SUV near Annaberg Beach.
At the same time, agents also intercepted a vessel transporting four individuals which was coming from the British Virgin Islands and heading towards the same location.
As the vessel was being interdicted, AMO agents on land noticed the SUV Santos was driving quickly leave the area. Despite being pursued by law enforcement agents with flashing police lights, Santos drove for approximately half a mile before being stopped and detained.
Santos, as well as the occupants of the vessel, were transported to St. Thomas. He reportedly told Homeland Security investigators that he was a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic, and had entered the territory illegally from the BVI approximately two years ago.
The occupants detained on the vessel were Clawens Destin, Jean Louise Metellus, and Junia Orelus, as well as two other individuals yet to be named by law enforcement. According to documents submitted to court, one of the yet-to-be-identified individuals is an American citizen, while the other were citizens of Haiti and St. Kitts & Nevis.
Defendants are now subject to house arrest while awaiting trial in the District Court of the Virgin Islands.
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