Davaunte Butler, a 28-year-old man from Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas on 10 February 2024, after customs officials discovered 28 kilograms of marijuana in his luggage. According to U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper, Butler had arrived at the airport on a flight from Miami, and was taken into custody by federal agents after the marijuana was found in two suitcases he was carrying. The arrest was made at approximately 14:45 local time, and Butler was subsequently charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Butler's luggage was selected for inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, who were conducting routine screenings of passengers arriving at the airport. During the inspection, officers discovered multiple packages of marijuana, which were concealed in the suitcases. The total weight of the marijuana was determined to be 28 kilograms, with an estimated street value of $140,000. Butler was questioned by federal agents and allegedly admitted to transporting the marijuana from Florida to St. Thomas. He was then arrested and taken into custody, pending a court appearance.
The arrest of Davaunte Butler is part of a larger effort by federal authorities to combat the smuggling of controlled substances into the U.S. Virgin Islands. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases involving the transportation of marijuana and other illicit substances into the territory. According to U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper, the U.S. Attorney's Office is working closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in these activities. The case against Butler is being investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Reaction to the arrest of Davaunte Butler has been swift, with local officials praising the work of federal agents in disrupting the flow of illicit substances into the territory. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands issued a statement commending the efforts of law enforcement agencies, and emphasizing the importance of keeping the community safe. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper noted that the arrest of Butler sends a strong message to those who would seek to engage in the smuggling of controlled substances into the territory. The U.S. Attorney's Office has stated that it will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute individuals involved in these activities.
The implications of the arrest of Davaunte Butler are significant, as it highlights the ongoing challenge of combating the smuggling of controlled substances into the U.S. Virgin Islands. The case also underscores the importance of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in these activities. As the investigation into Butler's activities continues, it is likely that additional arrests will be made, and further details will emerge about the scope of the smuggling operation. In the coming days, Butler is expected to appear in court to face charges related to the possession and distribution of marijuana. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $1 million. The U.S. Attorney's Office has stated that it will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to disrupt the flow of illicit substances into the territory, and to bring those involved in these activities to justice.
As the case against Davaunte Butler moves forward, it is likely to have significant implications for the community in St. Thomas. The arrest
