A Colorado man has pleaded guilty to possessing large quantities of cocaine in the US Virgin Islands. According to court documents, Kareme Holst, 46, of Colorado, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
On October 19, 2021, Holst was referred to secondary inspection while attempting to board a flight from St. Croix’s Henry Rohlsen Airport to Miami. During the inspection, officers discovered six jars of solid coconut substance, and inside each jar was a plastic bag containing a white powdered substance. Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the white powdered substance was cocaine weighing approximately 2.7 kilograms.
A search of Holst’s suitcase also yielded an additional plastic bag containing a white powdered substance that was found in a pocket in a pair of pants. The total amount of cocaine seized was 2.7 kilograms.
Holst’s sentencing hearing in this matter is scheduled for December 12, 2022. For his conviction, Holst faces a term of not less than five years and not more than 40 years imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
The U.S. Virgin Islands is taking a tough stance on drug trafficking. With the recent conviction of Holst, the island’s authorities are sending a clear message to would-be traffickers: you will be caught and you will face severe penalties.
Kareme Holst’s case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of drug trafficking on our communities. The U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to work tirelessly to combat this scourge and keep our island safe.
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News