Customs and police officers have intercepted a vehicle carrying a substantial quantity of illegal drugs, including synthetic drugs, in what appears to be a major narcotics bust connected at Port Castries.
According to information reaching our newsroom, the joint operation between the two agencies took place on Friday, when officers moved in on a vehicle at Port Castries, suspected of transporting illicit substances.
Inside the vehicle, authorities reportedly discovered a barrel containing the drugs, which had recently arrived at the port.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the barrel was part of a consignment of items that may not have gone through the usual customs inspection and clearance procedures. This has raised serious questions about possible internal breaches in port security and customs handling protocols.
Sources indicate that one individual, said to be an employee of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), identified as the driver, has been detained for questioning in connection with the vehicle and its contents. The vehicle itself, has also been impounded by Customs as part of ongoing investigations.
As of press time, both the RSLPF and the Customs and Excise Department have not issued an official statement regarding the operation or the quantity and estimated street value of the drugs seized.
The discovery of synthetic drugs, marks a disturbing escalation in Saint Lucia’s narcotics trade, which has traditionally been dominated by marijuana and cocaine trafficking.
Synthetic drugs, specifically synthetic cannabinoids, are a mixture of herbs, incense and/or spices that are sprayed with synthetic (human-made) mind-altering chemicals. These drugs can produce hallucinogenic effects. Even though some people call synthetic cannabinoids “fake weed,” these drugs are not a form of marijuana and their effects are far more risky.
