Commissioner of Police Verne Garde has confirmed the existence of an organized crime syndicate operating within Saint Lucia, warning that the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is intensifying efforts to dismantle the networks enabling the trade in firearms and narcotics.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing, Commissioner Verne Garde said law enforcement has shifted its focus beyond criminal activity to the financial backbone supporting organized crime.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has taken the posture where we are going to be following the assets and money over a few targets,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, investigations have already begun into five active cases in collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA). These cases are expected to lead to applications under the Forfeiture of Assets legislation, which allows the state to seize property and funds obtained through criminal means.
“We are going after the money,” Garde stated firmly.
“We will be making certain applications after the investigations to enact the forfeiture of assets legislation and try to remove some of the funds that are lucratively circulating, supporting crime and criminal activity.”
The Commissioner noted the difference between legitimate earnings and the financial capabilities of individuals involved in the illicit trade.
“I am one of the higher-paid public servants in Saint Lucia, and it has been a difficult time for me when it comes to assets and resources. Yet, we see persons utilizing tens of thousands of dollars to purchase arms and ammunition. That tells you something about where the money is coming from, and we intend to find out.”
Garde confirmed that organized crime networks in Saint Lucia have transnational connections, operating across borders with assistance from local facilitators.
“Before the year ends, some of these persons will be confronted,” he declared. “There are syndicates operating within our shores, and the RSLPF does not find it amusing. We’ve already disrupted some of their influence at the ports and we intend to do much more in the coming months.”
Meanwhile, Inspector Shervon Matthieu, head of the Guns Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU), noted that the problem extends beyond ports of entry to include courier services and internal facilitators.
“Even the courier services are being used,” he said. “Only yesterday, there was an interception at the port and another at a courier service. A lot of those drugs and firearms are coming in through those avenues, and I can safely say it’s not just facilitated by ordinary citizens. It has to involve people who work at those locations.”
The Inspector highlighted the systemic nature of the problem, suggesting that some employees at shipping and port facilities may be complicit in allowing contraband to move through official channels.
“A barrel containing drugs will not leave the port by just a civilian walking in and taking it. Someone inside must assist, it could be a forklift operator, a red cap, a driver, even a janitor. It’s a well-oiled machine,” he explained.
The RSLPF pledges to intensify surveillance, strengthen internal integrity mechanisms, and enhance cooperation with regional and international partners to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms and narcotics into Saint Lucia.
“We all see what these firearms do,” Inspector MAtthieu added. “People don’t kill people, firearms do. This is one of the major issues we’re facing as a country, and we’re doing our best to curb it.”
