The Police Marine Unit assisted by the Special Services Unit {SSU} have recovered a reportedly stolen vessel from the neighbouring island of Martinique.
Last week, officers from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit received intelligence from law enforcement counterparts in Martinique regarding a stolen vessel bearing the markings ‘Brigad du Littoral-République Française’. Reports indicated that the vessel had been taken from Martinique and was believed to be on its way to Saint Lucia.
Acting on this information, the units collaborated in a special operation that led them to conduct searches in the north of the island. The vessel was subsequently located at the Gros Islet Fisheries Complex. The French vessel was consequently recovered by the Police Marine Unit.
The vessel was found in fair condition, with visible markings confirming its French origin and official designation. However, no individuals were found on board or in the surrounding area at the time of recovery.
The Marine Unit has since secured the vessel, and arrangements are being made with authorities in Martinique to support the ongoing investigation and facilitate its repatriation.
In a separate incident, the Police Marine Unit recovered vessel components in Monkey Town, Ciceron.
Police Marine Unit (PMU), in collaboration with the Marine Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU), has successfully recovered several components linked to a vessel reported stolen from Martinique.
About 11:45 a.m. on October 8, 2025, officers were alerted by French authorities regarding the theft of a French owned pirogue.
Over the course of two days, multiple search warrants were executed in the Monkey Town, Ciceron area. As a result, the following items confirmed to belong to the stolen vessel were recovered from an abandoned house:
1. Two grey fenders
2. One orange bailer
3. One black boathook
4. One black boat mast
5. One grey boat mast
6. One Yamaha throttle controller
Additionally, one black Mercury outboard engine was seized during the operation.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
In yet another incident, Marine Unit recovered Possible Stolen vessel at Marigot Bay.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, officers from the Marine Unit responded to information regarding another possible stolen French vessel at Marigot Bay.
Upon arrival, the team discovered a fiberglass pirogue with no visible registration number or vessel name displayed on its hull. The vessel was subsequently towed to the PMU base for verification and to confirm its identifying details.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the vessel and its origins remain ongoing.
Of the three reportedly stolen vessels from Martinique, only two have been recovered.
While these incidents were actively investigated Marine Unit (PMU) and the Marine Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU) on Sunday, October 19, 2025, about 8:12 a.m., responded to a report of the suspected illegal landing of goods at the Castries Fisheries Complex.
Upon arrival, a team of officers secured a vessel matching the description provided. An individual was subsequently taken to the Police Marine Unit for questioning in connection with the incident.
The matter has since been referred to the Customs Department for further investigation.
The Police Marine Unit has intensified its patrols island wide and will continue to challenge all seafarers to ensure strict compliance with maritime safety, security, and registration requirements.
Meanwhile, in more police news, Saint Lucian-American Chester Garner Ernest who was charged recently has pleaded guilty to Firearms and Drug Offenses.
The fifty-year-old dual citizen of Saint Lucia and the United States has pleaded guilty to multiple firearms and drug-related charges. His guilty plea stems from a December 2024 police operation, during which officers executed a search warrant at his Careille, Castries residence. The search led to the discovery of a firearm concealed in a pair of sneakers, 264 rounds of ammunition hidden in a false air-conditioning vent, and a quantity of compressed marijuana concealed inside a barrel. As a result, Ernest was charged with Possession of a firearm, Three counts of possession of ammunition,
Possession of controlled drugs, and Possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Ernest appeared before the High Court where he pleaded guilty to all charges. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 12, 2025.
Ernest remains on demand in connection with a separate case. This relates to a 2022 firearms seizure at the Castries Port. Following a review of new evidence in February 2025, the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit reopened the matter. Ernest was formally charged on July 4, 2025, with three counts of firearms importation.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force {RSLPF} has been relentless of late in the pursuit of offenders involved in illegal firearms and narcotics and says it remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities and ensure public safety.