Law enforcement officials proudly report a marked decrease in the homicide rate, with incidents dropping from 40 last year to 28 this year (January to June).
However, the fight against criminal activity continues as the island grapples with its latest homicide victim—a male teenager shot in Soufriere at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Sunday.
Police reports detail that officers were dispatched to Palmiste, Soufriere, where they found 18-year-old Anthony Cox of Church Street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate transport to Soufriere Hospital by the Saint Lucia Fire Service, Cox was later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Additionally, in a decisive operation, a joint intelligence-led initiative by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU) resulted in the successful arrest of two individuals connected to a significant drug shipment.
The operation, executed on June 27 in Vieux Fort, was set in motion following credible intelligence regarding a suspicious package at the port. The package, retrieved from the cargo shed, contained four (4) kilograms of compressed cannabis and two (2) kilograms of cannabis resin, cleverly concealed within typical household items.
Suspects Andrina Epiphane and Shaquille Walker were taken into custody without resistance.
Over the weekend, they faced multiple drug-related charges, including: – Possession of Controlled Drugs (Cannabis) – Possession with Intent to Supply (Cannabis) – Possession of Controlled Drugs (Cannabis Resin) – Possession with Intent to Supply (Cannabis Resin) and – Importation of Controlled Drugs.
A financial investigation is underway, with support from the Financial Intelligence Authority, to scrutinize potential money laundering activities and initiate asset forfeiture proceedings involving the vehicles used.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force maintains a steadfast zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking, relentlessly pursuing those who threaten the nation’s security and public institutions.
On June 30, Andrina Epiphane and Shaquille Walker were brought before the Second District court for bail proceedings, where they were granted bail at fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) cash or suitable surety, alongside additional bail conditions.
RA