Federal, state and Virgin Island authorities team up to nab 'The Twins'

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands - Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on Monday arrested twin brothers for possessing illegal drugs and weapons. ICE HSI worked jointly with the following agencies: the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department Territorial Anti-Gang Intervention Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Ports Authority.

Known as "The Twins," Wayne and Dwayne Dennis, 31, of Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands, were arrested Dec. 20 during the execution of two federal search warrants at 159 Diamond Ruby and Carib Villas I in Christiansted. The two brothers had previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in 1999.

During the search warrant at 159 Diamond Ruby, about 10 pounds of marijuana, 60 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition, and $1,400 were seized. The search at the second address, Carib Villas I, yielded about a half pound of cocaine, two handguns, one machine gun, a bullet proof vest, assorted ammunition and $1,110.

"We will continue using our robust investigative authorities to identify and apprehend those who, in flagrant disregard of our laws, continue terrorizing our communities in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico," said Roberto Escobar Vargas, special agent in charge of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan, Puerto Rico. "Our federal, state and local law enforcement partners will not rest until we put these criminals out of business."

U.S. Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Novelle E. Francis Jr., said, "The twins have eluded the criminal justice system for some time. When you look at the gun and drugs confiscated and the level of violent acts perpetrated by these two, I can only conclude that the community would be better off when they are behind bars."

Both brothers had their initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate George Cannon Dec. 20. They were remanded to the custody of U.S. Marshals, and transferred to the Golden Grove Detention Center awaiting the outcome of their cases.