A major blow was dealt to Saint Lucia’s drug trade last week after 50 kilograms of cocaine were recovered during an operation in Dennery. The significant narcotics bust, executed by the Guns, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU), comes as law enforcement intensifies efforts to combat the island’s growing criminal activity.
While details of the Dennery operation remain limited, the seizure underscores what Police Commissioner Verne Guardedescribed as a clear and growing threat to public safety.
Speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of Course 39, a police training program, Commissioner Guarde addressed the country’s escalating crime situation and sent a firm message to criminal elements.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will not sit idle and allow criminals to create fear among our citizens,” Guarde declared. “We are taking aggressive and targeted action to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence.”
The Commissioner’s remarks come on the heels of a surge in violent incidents — including several homicides and gun-related crimes in the past two weeks. The 50-kilo cocaine seizure, viewed as a major disruption of local and transnational drug operations, is being touted as one of the most significant drug interceptions this year.
Guarde revealed that the police have already intercepted over 4,164 live rounds of ammunition and seized more than 55 illegal firearms in 2025, three of which were confiscated in the last three days alone.
“Each round of ammunition could have represented the death of a Saint Lucian,” he warned. “Some of these weapons are very high caliber and pose a serious danger to the public.”
In response to the rising threat, Guarde confirmed that he held a high-level meeting with his senior command team over the weekend to implement a focused strategy targeting key perpetrators.
“Saturday, I met with my high command, and we have put a mission in place to confront some of these individuals. It’s time we take affirmative action,” he said.
As part of a broader crackdown, police have been executing raids, search warrants, and traffic operations in various communities. Guarde assured the public that these efforts are aimed at ensuring Saint Lucia remains safe for law-abiding citizens.
“I will not stand by and allow persons in conflict with the law to make this country worse,” he stated. “We are coming for those who continue to spread fear and violence.”
The Commissioner also appealed to the public for continued trust and patience, emphasizing that while his leadership may not be loud, the results will be unmistakable.
“I’m not one for many words, but my actions are academic in that,” Guarde concluded.
