A joint operation at Port Castries on Saturday November 15th, led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of narcotics, officials have confirmed. The operation involved Customs, the Gangs and Narcotics Unit, and personnel from the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA).
A Customs officer who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation said the latest seizure points to the ongoing challenge of illegal shipments entering the country through regulated points.
“It was a large find in several barrels. The intelligence suggests a deliberate attempt to move illegal substances through standard cargo channels,” the officer noted.
Saturday’s discovery forms part of a broader, sustained crackdown on the illegal importation of drugs, firearms, and contraband through Port Castries, Port Vieux Fort, and courier services. Law enforcement agencies have stepped up inspections of barrels, cargo containers, courier shipments, and warehouse operations in response to recent intelligence pointing to a rise in organized trafficking.
Over the past several weeks, police have arrested a number of SLASPA and Customs employees in connection with irregular cargo clearances and suspected involvement in smuggling networks. At a recent press conference, the RSLPF said internal compliance issues remain a concern, and more arrests are possible as inquiries continue.
Authorities are also investigating the conduct of employees within private courier companies, following a series of drug discoveries concealed inside inbound packages. Just last Saturday law enforcement officials discovered two barrels one with over 2400 rounds of ammunition and the other with drugs.
Police have since issued a wanted notice for an employee of a courier company, wanted in connection with narcotics and ammunition found inside a barrel recently processed through Port Castries. Law enforcement sources say courier services have increasingly become targets for traffickers seeking to avoid scrutiny at the larger ports.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not yet issue any statement on Saturday’s operation, but confirmed that contraband was recovered.
The customs officer indicated that continued joint operations will continue with the police as part of their strengthened border security response. “We expect more interceptions,” the Customs source said. “The checks have increased, and they will remain tight.”
