Saint Lucia’s law enforcement officers are steadfast in their mission to eliminate illegal weapons from the streets, neighbourhoods, and the entire country.
A focused police dragnet has successfully executed seizures of illegal firearms in two rural communities.
Additionally, through strategic networking and intelligence collaboration with overseas security forces, a significant interception of illegal weapons originating from the United States has occurred.
Recently, police conducted highly effective operations in Choiseul and Canaries, leading to the recovery of high-powered firearms and ammunition. These seizures are a critical component of broader law enforcement efforts designed to eradicate illegal possession of weapons and enhance public safety.
According to police sources, on December 19, a series of coordinated operations in Choiseul and Canaries resulted in the recovery of two high-powered firearms, substantial ammunition, and the arrest of several individuals.
Authorities are intensifying their efforts to combat gun and drug-related crime. The operations, led by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Units across both the Northern and Southern Divisions, were supported by the Special Services Unit, Southern Tactical Unit, and a Special Operations Team.
Officers recovered two high-powered rifles and 26 rounds of 7.62 ammunition during searches at a dwelling house and a high point location. Three individuals are now in custody regarding this firearm recovery.
In a related operation, police arrested an individual for possession of controlled drugs, including possession with intent to supply, while executing searches through four houses in the Belvedere, Canaries area.
Investigations are on-going, with further updates expected as formal charges are laid.
On December 16, police intercepted multiple illegal firearms at a courier service in the northern part of the island. Following intelligence-led operations, officers from the Customs and Excise Department, with support from the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit, examined suspicious packages and uncovered several illegal firearms and firearm components.
Reports indicate that some of the recovered weapons can discharge multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, which poses a serious public safety threat. Law enforcement officials emphasize that such firearms are often linked to violent crimes, including armed robberies, shootings, and other gun-related activities.
Removing these weapons from circulation has likely prevented potential loss of life and further criminal harm. Additionally, over the past month, law enforcement agencies in Miami, Florida, intercepted commercial shipments destined for Saint Lucia that contained illegal firearms and magazines in two separate incidents.
These interceptions underscore the persistent efforts by criminal networks to smuggle weapons into the country.
A police source stated that , “as we approach the new year,” the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, through the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit, in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department and other local and international partners, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening border security, enhancing intelligence sharing, and aggressively disrupting the illegal flow of firearms.