A retired senior police officer has praised the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gang, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU) for what he describes as “clear and measurable success” in disrupting the flow of illegal weapons and drugs into the island, but is warning that without stronger government investment, those gains may not be sustained.
Speaking to Saint Lucia Daily Post on condition of anonymity, the retired officer said he personally witnessed the professionalism and diligence of the unit during operations at the Castries port last weekend. “Last Saturday, while travelling to Martinique, I observed members of the Gang, Narcotics and Firearms Unit conducting searches at the port. Passengers and items destined for Martinique were being carefully examined, based on intelligence and previous trends,” he said. “As a civilian, I must commend these officers for their professionalism and diligence.”
The former officer noted that over the past several months, Saint Lucians have repeatedly heard reports of interceptions, seizures, and arrests linked to the GNFB Unit, evidence, he said, that the unit’s operations are having a real impact.
“Their work has clearly disrupted the flow of illegal firearms and drugs entering the island. They deserve recognition for standing on the frontline of a very dangerous fight.”
However, he cautioned that public praise alone will not win the battle against transnational crime. “Commendation alone is not enough,” he stressed.
The retiree raised serious questions about whether the unit is adequately equipped to maintain its momentum, particularly as criminal networks adapt their methods. “The critical question now is this: Is this unit properly equipped to continue this fight? And more importantly, what will the Government of Saint Lucia do in 2026 to strengthen this unit as they confront illegal guns and drugs entering our country through our ports?”
He pointed to government commitments outlined in its manifesto, including plans to expand the use of canine units, and questioned how soon those promises would translate into action.
“How soon will these canines be deployed? Will officers receive proper and continuous training in handling canines, particularly for vehicle searches, cargo inspections and port operations?”
Drawing on international examples, the former officer said similar units overseas are supported by specialized vehicles, modern equipment, and strong logistical backing, resources he believes are essential if Saint Lucia is to effectively counter sophisticated smuggling operations.
While acknowledging increased collaboration between the police and the Customs and Excise Department, the retiree expressed concern about recent incidents that have shaken public confidence. “Civilians have been arrested and charged. More troubling, officers who were entrusted with upholding the law have also been arrested and charged.”
He referenced the Vieux Fort incident in which Customs officers were allegedly involved in facilitating the entry of drugs into the island, calling it a “wake-up call” for authorities. “These developments reinforce a simple truth: our ports are a major entry point for illegal weapons and drugs. The GNFB Unit has helped expose this reality through their work.”
The retired officer said if Saint Lucia is serious about reducing gun violence and drug trafficking, port security must become a national priority supported by tangible investment. “So the question to the government is straightforward: Are we going to allow this unit to continue operating with limited resources, or will there be meaningful investment in their training, equipment, vehicles and manpower?”
He warned that without decisive action, the country risks falling into a familiar and costly cycle. “Because without proper support, we risk repeating the same cycle over and over. The officers on the ground are clearly doing their part. Now it is time for policy-makers to do theirs.”
The former officer concluded with a reminder; “Saint Lucia cannot afford to ignore the frontline any longer.”
