Mark Collins is set to take over as the new Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police in April.

Mr Collins was due to retire after four years as the Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police but surprised colleagues with the announcement that he is to take on the job of strengthening law enforcement against local and international crime.

The British territory’s Governor Gus Jaspert has announced an independent commission of inquiry led by a judge from outside the islands will investigate the growth of serious organised crime. Recently police seized two tonnes of cocaine on the islands worth an estimated $250m.

“There is growing evidence of serious organised crime infiltrating BVI,” Mr Jaspert said. “The people of BVI want better”.

A priority for Mr Collins, who takes over from Michael Matthews, will be tasked with is building capacity among the leadership ranks in the island’s force.

Confirming the appointment, Mr Jaspert said: “I am delighted that Mr Collins has accepted the position of Commissioner of Police, he will bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to the role.”

He has experience of tackling drug gangs due to the targeting of Welsh ports by international gangs looking for alternatives to Dover. He also has experience of working across government as the lead officer for mental health issues and for child exploitation in the UK National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Prior to that, he served as Deputy Chief Constable in Bedfordshire and as Borough Commander of Walthamstow as part of London’s Metropolitan Police. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his services to policing in Her Majesty’s New Year Honours List 2020.

Mr Collins will be moving to a territory of four main islands with 30,000 inhabitants that has links to Britain dating back to 1666. It was granted self-governance in 1967.

Mr Collins said of his appointment: “I very much look forward to starting my new role as Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, and serving the people of BVI.”