Wayne Jeffers, Cocaine Possession, Virgin Islands 2022

A shocking discovery at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix has led to the arrest of a Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer on charges of Cocaine Possession and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Wayne Jeffers, 52, of St. Croix, was taken into custody on May 20, 2022, after a suitcase containing 12.6 kilograms of cocaine was seized from a ladder truck on the airport ramp.

According to court documents, the suitcase was placed on the truck by Jeffers in the early morning hours of May 11, 2022. The brick-shaped objects inside were later tested positive for cocaine, a highly addictive and illegal substance. Jeffers faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million if convicted.

The investigation into Jeffers' activities is being led by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston handling the prosecution. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.

United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Wayne Jeffers, 52, of St. Croix, is currently facing charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston handling the prosecution. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.

Jeffers' arrest and charges are a significant blow to the Virgin Islands Port Authority and raise questions about the vetting process for employees at the airport. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of vigilance in maintaining national security.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi/pr/virgin-islands-port-authority-officer-charged-cocaine-possession-henry-e-rohlsen-airport