Law enforcement officers have successfully confiscated a significant number of firearms and ammunition as part of their ongoing efforts to curb crime and recover stolen devices across the country.
On August 2, officers from the Northern Division Operations Team and the Special Operations Team conducted mobile patrols and targeted sweeps in the Gros Islet area, coinciding with the ongoing Gros Islet Carnival festivities.
Acting on intelligence, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Dix Street, Canaries. During this operation, officers recovered a 9mm pistol fitted with an Auto Sear and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition within the dwelling.
Three individuals were arrested and detained in connection with the incident. Marlon Longville and D’Andre Esnard were each charged with:
– Possession of Firearm
– Possession of Ammunition
The men are scheduled to appear at the Second District Court for a bail hearing at a later date. This operation is part of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s ongoing commitment to combat illegal firearms and controlled substances, ensuring public safety throughout the carnival season.
In a separate operation on August 3 at 4:00 a.m., police officers from the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU), the Special Operations Team, and the Central Intelligence Unit executed an intelligence-led operation in various locations in Castries and Babonneau.
During this early morning raid, officers seized a prohibited weapon, ammunition, cash, electronic devices, and documents relevant to an ongoing firearms investigation at a residence in Goodlands, Castries. Several individuals were taken into custody, and investigations are still ongoing.
Following this operation, Yanith Augustine and Neferti Anthony were formally charged with four firearm-related offences, including:
– Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (an AR-15 Rifle)
– Possession of Ammunition (59 rounds of 5.56mm)
– Possession of Ammunition (15 rounds of 9mm)
– Possession of Component Parts
Both men were denied bail at their hearing and are currently remanded at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.
Additionally, during a separate search conducted at Des Barras, Babonneau, officers recovered 3.81 kilograms of cannabis, leading to the arrest of Elius Hubert from Des Barras. He was charged with:
– Possession of a Controlled Drug
– Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Supply Hubert appeared at the First District Court and was granted bail in the amount of $3000, subject to additional conditions.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force reassures the public that investigations are active, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
A spokesperson stated, “The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force remains committed to pursuing individuals engaged in criminal activity. All available resources will be used to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and public safety is restored.” Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or the Crime Hotline at 555 or via the Crime Hotline App available on the Google Play Store.