Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced that the British Virgin Islands’ premier has been charged with money laundering and drug trafficking.

Andrew Fahie was taken into custody in Miami, Florida.

According to John Rankin, the governor of the British Virgin Islands, he was taken into custody as part US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation.

“I am aware that this will be shocking news to people in the territory, and I would ask for calm at this point,” Mr Rankin stated.

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According to the Miami Herald, Fahie was taken into custody at an airport by DEA agents who posed as drug traffickers for the Mexican Sinaloa cartel.

Ms. Truss stated that she was shocked by the serious allegations.

In a statement, she added: “This afternoon the premier of British Virgin Islands, Andrew Fahie was arrested in the United States for charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.

“This arrest is a testimony to the importance of the newly concluded Commission of Inquiry.

“I spoke to the governor of BVI, and he will hold an emergency meeting of the territory’s cabinet later today.

“He will outline the next steps tomorrow, including publication of the urgent inquiry’s report.”

The DEA did no immediate respond to a request to comment.