SAINT LUCIA — A 35-year-old American national, Michael Garrick Charlemagne, has been fined EC$6,000 after pleading guilty to drug-related charges following a major bust at the Hewanorra International Airport.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, during a joint security operation by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Southern Division and Customs and Excise officials. The team was conducting routine checks on passengers arriving on Delta Flight 1064 from Atlanta when they uncovered thirteen (13) vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis in Charlemagne’s luggage. In addition to the compressed marijuana, officers found pre-rolled joints, cannabis vapes, and rolling papers. The total weight of the illicit substances amounted to 365 grams, with an estimated street value of EC$1,825.
Charlemagne was promptly arrested and charged the following day, Sunday, July 13, with Possession of a Controlled Drug, Possession with Intent to Supply, and Importation of a Controlled Drug.
He appeared before the Second District Court at Bordelais Correctional Facility on Monday, July 14, where he pleaded guilty to all charges. The court imposed a fine of EC$6,000, to be paid no later than Thursday, July 18. Failure to do so will result in a custodial sentence of three months.
