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 BREAKING NEWS: Premier Andrew A. Fahie arrested while oversea in relations to allegations of conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering

BVI Premier Andrew Fahie was arrested at the Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport today by members of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency in connection with a cocaine trafficking and money laundering scheme. News of Fahie’s arrest was broken by Governor John Rankin this afternoon in a statement.“It is my duty as Governor to inform you that this morning the Honourable Premier Fahie was detained in Miami on charges related to conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering,” he stated.“As this is a live US investigation I have no further information on the arrest nor can I comment any further on it. However, what I can confirm is that the arrest was a US operation led by the DEA and is not linked to the Commission of Inquiry report.”Rankin added he will meet with members of the cabinet to discuss a way forward.Deputy Premier Natalio Wheatley will remain as acting Premier.Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss expressed her shock at the incident.“I am appalled by these serious allegations. This arrest demonstrates the importance of the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry.”“I have spoken to the Governor of the BVI and he will be holding an emergency meeting of the Territory’s Cabinet later today. He will set out next steps tomorrow, including urgent publication of the Inquiry’s report.”

Below is a statement FROM GOVERNOR OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS MR JOHN RANKIN CMG

I would like to provide an update to the people of the British Virgin Islands on recent law enforcement action taken by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency about which I have been informed today.It is my duty as Governor to inform you that this morning the Honourable Premier Fahie was detained in Miami on charges related to conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering.As this concerns the arrest of a British citizen, the US Government has informed the UK Government of this arrest, as part of the usual process followed when a British citizen is arrested abroad. The UK Government has subsequently informed me as Governor.As this is a live US investigation I have no further information on the arrest nor can I comment any further on it. However, what I can confirm is that the arrest was a US operation led by the DEA and is not linked to the Commission of Inquiry report.The remit of the Commission of Inquiry focused on governance and corruption, and was not a criminal investigation into the illegal drug trade.To avoid unnecessary speculation, I intend to move ahead urgently on publication of the Inquiry Report so the people of the BVI can see its contents and its recommendations in the areas it addresses. I will have a call with Minister Milling and the Acting Premier Honourable Natalio Wheatley tomorrow to discuss further engagement between the UK and BVI on this urgent issue.I realise this will be shocking news for people in the Territory. And I would call for calm at this time.The Honourable Deputy Premier Natalio Wheatley will remain Acting Premier of the Territory. I will discuss with him and Cabinet the way forward in continuing to support the good governance of the Territory.

I will provide a further update in due course.