Jan. 8, 2009 — Numerous calls complaining of drug sales and other illegal activities in an area on Brookman Road prompted a multi-agency sweep that resulted in the seizure of marijuana and the issuing of citations to businesses for various health violations.
The joint task force was led by Lt. Joseph Gumbs, Lt. Milton Petersen and police officers from the Mariel C. Newton Command of the V.I. Police Department's St. Thomas District. Also participating were officers from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and Environmental Health.
Police recovered more than 38 dime bags of marijuana found in the area of Dana Mart on Brookman Road, which was the site of a Dec. 31 shooting.
DLCA/Environmental Health officers issued four violation notices for unsanitary conditions at the store, including blood splattered on merchandise from the Dec. 31 shooting incident. Officers also cited the store owner for not having a proper importer’s license and for selling a homemade liquor concoction.
Officers said graffiti sprayed on the inside and outside of store walls may indicate the store owners are intimidated by people who loiter around the store who may be involved in illegal activity. Various fire hazards were identified and the business was closed until the violations are corrected.
DCLA also cited La Caoba Restaurant and Bar for allowing its cook to work without a valid VI Food Handlers card
“Officers went in to take back the area and are working to make the area a safe place for the residents who live and work there,” said Commissioner James H. McCall.
“The public will see more proactive joint anti-crime initiatives to clean up not only the East End of St. Thomas, but problem neighborhoods and areas all over the Virgin Islands in 2009,” the Commissioner concluded.
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