British Virgin Islands Customs will increase marine patrols in a move to crack down on illicit activities in the territory.
This follows the rededication of the vessel M/V Predator to the Customs fleet after undergoing repairs. The boat received substantial damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017 meaning the only other remaining vessel, M/V Vigilante, had been made to shoulder the entire workload. The Customs department now expects to work more effectively to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking that has plagued the wider territory in the months following the devastating storm which severely taxed the resources and finances of the departments responsible for border security.
The vessel was dedicated at the Elisabeth-Ann Harris Memorial Marine Base last Thursday.
