Officers attached to the Drug Unit and the Special Services Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) conducted an intelligence driven operation within the Central Divisions, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 to mitigate gun related activity in certain zones on the island.
During the operation, officers executed a search warrant on a residence in Belair, Marigot where they discovered a 9mm pistol with 20 rounds of ammunition, one .45 pistol with nine rounds of ammunition with an extended clip, 25 40mm ammunition, ten 5.56 mm ammunition, a quantity of cannabis and cannabis resin.
Erwin Augustin of Belair and Shervon Charles of Vanard, Millet were charged with Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.
Ernel Augustin of Belair and Jervais Charles of Vanard, Millet were both charged with Possession of Controlled Drugs and Possession with Intent to Supply Controlled Drugs.
The four men are presently awaiting a bail hearing.
Police Commissioner Verne Garde in response to the operation reaffirmed his commitment to addressing crime by utilising a multifaceted approach. His three-fold approach includes Problem Solving, Intelligence Lead Policing and Community Policing, which were introduced during his second week in office.This approach is being implemented across the organisation in phases.
According to a police press release, “This methodical approach to crime resolution continues to realise increases in seizures of illicit weapons, ammunition and prohibited items, whilst simultaneously resulting in the arrests of perpetrators of serious crimes.”