USVI: Unprotected shores a drug, terrorism risk

The territory's unpatrolled waters present a risk for drug traffic and terrorist activity, members of a congressional Homeland Security committee touring the Virgin Islands has warned.

"There is so much unprotected coastline it provides an opportunity for people coming in," U.S. Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Calif., the committee chairman, said Saturday at a press conference on the Crown Bay dock. "America needs to pay more attention to our border here."

Cox said that at least one-third of terrorist groups are financed through illegal drug trade. He said the Virgin Islands needs help to counter terrorism.