The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has recorded major success recently with efforts through its Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU).
The Voice reported previously that on June 27, 2025 the GNFU, in collaboration with the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU), executed Operation Cargo Watch—a targeted initiative aimed at intercepting the illegal importation of controlled drugs into Saint Lucia via air cargo from Toronto, Canada.
Surveillance efforts led officers to intercept two motor vehicles linked to the suspects: Mr. Shaquille M. Walker of Castries and Ms. Andrina Epiphane, an Executive Officer with the Customs and Excise Department in Vieux Fort. Their behavior raised suspicion, prompting searches of both vehicles.
The search uncovered 4 kilograms of compressed cannabis concealed in a Froot Loops cereal box and 2 kilograms of cannabis resin (14 plaques) hidden in an air bed box.
The exhibits were professionally documented, photographed, and secured by the Scenes of Crime Officer.
Both individuals were arrested and charged with Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Cannabis Resin, Possession with Intent to Supply (Cannabis), Possession with Intent to Supply (Cannabis Resin), Importation of Cannabis, Importation of Cannabis Resin
They were both granted bail in the sum of EC $50,000 each, either in cash or with a suitable surety.
On July 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, the GNFU North and South teams conducted a joint anti-drug operation in Dennery Village and later Ti Tous Beach, targeting suspected drug trafficking activities.
Following several hours of surveillance and thorough searches, officers discovered 45 bricks of suspected cocaine in two large sacks.
The total seizure weighed approximately 50 kilograms, with an estimated street value of EC $1.3 million.
The recovered items were weighed, sealed, labelled, and submitted to the forensic lab for further analysis.
On July 4, 2025, during a follow-up operation in the area, Quintin Taylor (alias “Quincy”) was intercepted during a snap vehicle check. He was found in possession of 105 grams of cannabis resin and was subsequently arrested and charged with Possession of Controlled Drugs, and Possession with Intent to Supply
He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the court.
On July 4, 2025, in a separate but significant development, the GNFU formally charged Chester Garner Ernest, a dual citizen of Saint Lucia and the United States, with three counts of firearm importation under Section 31A of the Firearms (Amendment) Act.
The charges stem from a December 12, 2024, search at Ernest’s residence in Careille, which yielded One Cobra .380 pistol concealed in a pair of sneakers, 264 rounds of ammunition hidden within a false air-conditioning vent, and a firearm cleaning kit and compressed cannabis
Further investigations linked Ernest to a major seizure on August 22, 2022, at Shed 6, Port Castries, where authorities recovered Three AR-15 rifles, High-capacity magazines, Tactical gear and Various firearm components.
This investigation also involves international cooperation, particularly with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On Monday, July 7, 2025, the GNFU, supported by the Central Intelligence Unit, conducted a high-priority operation in Odlum City, Bois Patat, based on intelligence concerning a possible illegal firearm transaction a search of a premises resulted in the discovery of one suspected AR-15 rifle, two high-capacity magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition
The serial number on the firearm appeared to have been tampered with. While no arrests have yet been made, investigations are ongoing.