The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force says it is pleased to announce the renaming and restructuring of a vital law enforcement unit previously known as the Drug Squad, which was primarily dedicated to narcotics enforcement. The newly established Gang, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU) will now lead efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking, and firearms-related offences. This effort ensures a more comprehensive approach to combating violent crimes and breaking up criminal networks across the island.
The GNFU will run two principal sections, one in the north and one in the south, to ensure an island-wide concentration on curbing the spread of gangs, illegal substances, and firearms.
This section will focus on:
Gang-related crimes – Monitoring and disrupting gang operations to reduce violent incidents.
Narcotics trade – Targeting the importation, distribution, and sale of illicit substances.
Firearms offences – Seizing illegal firearms and disrupting networks that support gun-related crimes.
The growth in gang violence, drug trafficking, and illegal firearm possession has resulted in more homicides, community fear, and adolescent recruitment into criminal activity. The psychological and economic effects on citizens, businesses, and families are considerable. The GNFU will proactively address these concerns through targeted operations and intelligence-driven investigations.
The GNFS aims to disrupt illicit enterprises through continuous operations
- Conduct intelligence-led investigations to detect and disrupt criminal networks.
- Increase interagency cooperation to prevent and intercept illicit drug and firearm shipments.
- Increase community engagement through awareness and education campaigns.
- Partnerships with National and International Agencies
Combating transnational and organized crime requires a multi-agency approach
The GNFU will collaborate with the Customs & Excise Department to strengthen border security and intercept unlawful cargo.
Marine Police Unit – Investigates marine narcotics and firearm smuggling.
The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) will be investigating money laundering tied to drug proceeds.
Regional and International Partners – Working with other law enforcement authorities to disrupt cross-border crime operations.
Local Engagement and Prevention Efforts
Beyond enforcement, GNFS is dedicated to crime prevention through educational outreach and youth involvement activities, such as:
- School Awareness Campaigns – Teaching pupils about the hazards of drugs, gangs, and illegal firearm possession.
- Community meetings – Encourage residents to be proactive in reporting suspicious activity.
The establishment of the Gang, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit ushers in a new age of crime-fighting in Saint Lucia.
“This effort demonstrates our ongoing commitment to restoring public safety, reducing violent crime, and holding perpetrators accountable. We encourage neighbourhood people, companies, and others to support our effort since police enforcement alone cannot win this battle. Together, we are creating a safer Saint Lucia,” The police force said in a statement recently.