Two BVIslanders have been charged in Antigua for the seizure of almost $24 million worth of cocaine in a drug operation over the weekend, according to a release issued on Monday by the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard.

The two BVIslanders are Lloyd Frett, 38, and Luke Joseph, 61. They are expected to appear in the St Johns Magistrates Court on Tuesday to answer to possession of cocaine, possession with intent to transfer, drug trafficking, and being concerned with the supply of cocaine.

The drug weighs 169.65 kilos and has a street value of around $23,975,000, police said.

The cocaine, which was packaged in five parts, was tightly sealed with duct tape and further placed in flour bags.

It was found aboard a 35ft single mast sailing vessel which was on its way to a neighbouring island when it was stopped and searched on Saturday off the southwestern end of Antigua, police said.

It is expected that more arrests may be made as the investigation continues.

The ONDCP said it continues with its efforts in collaboration and cooperation with other relevant agencies to make the streets of Antigua and Barbuda safer for its citizens, residents and visitors.