DEA and VIPD Nab Five in St. Thomas Drug Sting

In a significant blow to drug trafficking on St. Thomas, a joint operation between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) has resulted in the indictment of five individuals. U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith disclosed the details of the operation on Thursday, which targeted illegal narcotics activities in the Red Hook district.

The individuals facing charges are Jamil Bell, 43; Peter Francis, 33; Niah Henry, 44; Anwar Lockhart, 41; and Kenson Plasimo, 43. They have been formally accused by a federal grand jury of trafficking cocaine and oxycodone pills. The sting operation, conducted from December 5 to December 7, 2023, utilized undercover agents to infiltrate the drug trade and facilitate the purchase of these substances directly from the accused.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cherrisse R. Woods and Kimberly M. Riley are leading the prosecution. While the charges represent a significant step forward in the legal process, U.S. Attorney Smith stressed that an indictment should not be seen as proof of guilt. According to Smith, all accused parties are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendants are currently awaiting further court proceedings.