The Marine Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is essential in strengthening law enforcement efforts as it patrols the island’s porous borders and coastal waters.
This unit plays a vital role in combating the illicit smuggling of contraband, firearms, and ammunition across regional waters. In recent years, Saint Lucia has actively engaged with regional and global counterparts to address cross-border criminal activities.
At a recent media briefing attended by the RSLPF’s high command, updates were provided on the latest developments and measures to enhance operations.
During the July 2 press briefing, RSLPF Commissioner Verne Garde and Assistant Commissioner Luke Defreitas shared key updates on the force’s anti-crime operations, which heavily rely on the Marine Unit for joint maritime and intelligence-led border patrols.
“The presence of the police marine unit significantly influences activities across our borders,” stated ACP Defreitas.
He acknowledged, “While it is challenging to quantify their impact, they offer invaluable support in carrying out our operations.”
ACP Defreitas announced that the RSLPF is increasing maritime and land patrols, following recent multi-agency crackdowns and the successful implementation of international training and community-based safety strategies to combat local crime. The RSLPF and the Regional Security System (RSS) are enhancing regional marine operations by improving maritime domain awareness, conducting localized joint patrols, and creating unified logistical frameworks.
Following strategic regional agreements and the recent RSS Security Chiefs Meeting hosted in Saint Lucia, these organizations have synchronized their systems to counter transnational maritime crime.
Core Strategic Pillars
Regional Coordinated Patrols:
The RSS oversees the Regional Coordinated Patrol and Maritime Operations programs, dividing the Eastern Caribbean into sectors. Saint Lucia collaborates with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada to execute weekly patrols targeting narcotics and illegal firearms.
Advanced Domain Awareness:
Enhanced monitoring platforms are being deployed through the Regional Maritime Sustainment Initiative, allowing the RSLPF Marine Unit to share real-time tracking data with RSS headquarters to identify suspicious tracking patterns.
RSS Logistics Hub:
Operations are supported by a streamlined regional logistics hub, ensuring Coast Guard and Police Marine units have immediate access to resource replenishment and maintenance support during extended deep-sea missions.
Cross-Border Treaties:
The RSLPF utilizes an international Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French forces in Martinique for cross-jurisdictional surveillance to prevent illicit vessels from bypassing local borders.
Key Marine Unit Updates
Joint Maritime Operations:
The RSLPF has executed comprehensive island-wide operations that combine maritime, vehicular, and intelligence-led searches alongside units like the Special Services Unit (SSU) and Immigration.
Contraband Interception:
These joint patrols have led to significant seizures, including multiple illegal firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Strict Unit Vetting:
Commissioner Garde confirmed the Marine Unit is subject to a 100% vetting standard to maintain operational integrity and prevent corruption.
Enhanced Border Protection:
Ongoing patrols and searches have targeted suspected narco-trafficking and the smuggling of illegal firearms and ammunition along the coastline.
International Training Support:
The unit has received advanced Boat Master’s and Crew Certification training, significantly supported by French partners and the Gendarmerie from Martinique.
Southern Upgrades:
Plans are advancing for a southern marine substation along with a newly constructed concrete radar base at Vieux Fort to improve coastal tracking capabilities.
Community Successes:
Following high-level discussions with tourism and business stakeholders, marine police and community officers have increased enforcement in coastal hotspots, resulting in a reported decline in visitor harassment and general crime.
ACP Defreitas emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that police are ramping up joint enforcement efforts with Customs and the Saint Lucia Fire Service, particularly concerning port security and firearm interdiction.
The RSLPF is committed to enhancing maritime and land patrols as part of a broader strategy to tackle crime and protect the community.