The premier of the British Virgin Islands and the director of the country's ports were arrested Thursday at a Miami-area airport by US federal agents on charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and money laundering.
According to US authorities, Premier Andrew Fahie and Oleanvine Maynard, managing director of the port authority, were taken into custody by Drug Enforcement Administration agents at Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport.
US authorities told the Miami Herald newspaper that the foreign officials were arrested after they met with undercover DEA agents posing as cocaine traffickers to check out an alleged shipment of US$700,000 in cash on an airplane that they believed was destined for the British Virgin Islands.
Both BVI government officials were in Miami for a cruise convention.
The Miami Herald says Premier Fahie and Mrs. Maynard, who are being held at the Federal Detention Center, are scheduled to have their first appearances in Miami federal court on Friday.
A third person, Kadeem Maynard, the son of the BVI's port director, was also arrested Thursday at another location in connection with the undercover DEA case.
All three defendants were charged with conspiring to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States and conspiring to commit money laundering.
'Appalled'
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said she is appalled by the allegations against British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie.
Ms Truss has spoken with the Governor of the BVI, John Rankin, and he will be holding an emergency meeting of the Territory's Cabinet later on Thursday.
Mr. Rankin said he was informed about the situation by the British government after it was contacted by US government officials.
The governor will be meeting with the Acting Premier Natalio Wheatley on Friday to discuss further engagement between the UK and BVI on the arrest.
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