Second Suspect in Gun Running Case in VIPD Custody

Feliciano Comandante Olivieri, a man suspected of arranging illegal firearm imports from Florida to St. Thomas, was extradited from the mainland and taken into custody by the Virgin Islands Police Department. Along with Olivieri, Jakel Jamal Bell was also arrested for allegedly attempting to transport two disassembled handguns to St. Thomas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection had raised suspicions about the bag containing the guns and alerted local officials. Bell was observed picking up the bag at the airport and walking past the designated area for declaring firearms without stopping.

Further investigation into the incident revealed that the baggage claim ticket was under the name Christopher Wise and that Bell had been communicating with Olivieri, using the alias Gun Dawg, in Florida. Olivieri had advised Bell to mark the bag as belonging to Christopher Wise. However, it remains unclear how the bag containing the firearms managed to make its way onto the plane without being detected. Bell was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, failing to report a firearm, importing a firearm without a license, and aiding and abetting in the same, as well as conspiracy.

Olivieri, on the other hand, was charged with selling firearms without a license and conspiracy in connection with the illegal firearm importation scheme. The arrests were made following a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies to intercept the illegal firearms before they could reach their intended destination. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating the illegal trafficking of firearms, especially across state lines.

The case underscores the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms in communities. The prompt action taken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Virgin Islands Police Department resulted in the successful apprehension of the suspects and the seizure of the illegal firearms. This successful operation serves as a reminder of the critical role that vigilant enforcement plays in safeguarding public safety and preventing illegal activities that pose a threat to the community.

The arrest and extradition of Feliciano Comandante Olivieri and Jakel Jamal Bell in connection with the illegal firearm importation scheme demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and holding individuals accountable for their criminal actions. The charges brought against the suspects reflect the seriousness of the offenses committed and send a strong message that illegal activities involving firearms will not be tolerated. As the investigation progresses, authorities will continue to work diligently to identify any additional individuals involved in the illegal firearm trafficking network and prevent further harm to the community. By working together collaboratively, law enforcement agencies can disrupt criminal networks and protect public safety.