The V.I. Police Department intercepted five semi-automatic handguns of various calibers and two semi-automatic assault rifles, the department announced in a news release issued Sunday.
Police said an individual, who the department did not name, attempted to bring the firearms into the territory but did not disclose all the weapons. The VIPD Firearms Investigation Unit confiscated the firearms and launched an investigation into the background of the bearer and the origin of the weapons.
The VIPD Firearms Investigation Unit enforces the rules, regulations, laws, policies and procedures that govern the licensing and possession of firearms within the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is also responsible for ensuring that applicants are properly investigated and meet all the qualifications required by law prior to being granted a firearms license.
The unit is also responsible for court presentations and home and business inspections. It keeps record of all firearms registrations in the territory.
The unit recommended that people coming to the territory do not bring mainland-licensed firearms into the islands without contacting the Firearms Unit beforehand. Bringing unlicensed firearms into the territory will result in those firearms being confiscated and the bearer may be prosecuted in accordance to the laws of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the department statement said.
Those planning to travel to the USVI can call the Firearms Unit’s office to learn the rules and regulations on firearms.
“Our law requires that if you come into the U.S. Virgin Islands with a firearm, you must immediately contact the Firearms Unit at 340-778-2211 or 340-774-2211. You will be arrested if you are found in possession of an unregistered firearm,” the news release said.