A Castries man has been formally charged with money laundering following an extensive financial investigation stemming from a 2024 police operation that uncovered cash, drugs, and ammunition.
The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has confirmed that Patrick Gibbon Mitchell of Ravine Chabot is facing a charge under Section 30(1)(A) of the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act in relation to funds seized during a late-night traffic stop in June 2024.
According to the FIA, the investigation began after police conducted the traffic stop, which resulted in the discovery of a quantity of cash and drugs inside Mitchell’s vehicle. A subsequent search of his residence in Marchand uncovered an additional quantity of drugs along with three rounds of live 9mm ammunition. He was previously convicted on April 10, 2025, in the First District Court for possession of cannabis resin. He was fined $4,000.00 for the drug offence and an additional $6,000.00 for unlawful possession of ammunition.
However, the matter has now escalated beyond the original drug and ammunition convictions.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, Financial Investigators formally arrested and charged Mitchell with money laundering in connection with EC $62,000.00, US $3,954.00, and €1,670.00 that were recovered during the June 2024 operation.
He appeared before a First District Court Magistrate on the same day and was granted bail in the sum of $50,000.00. As part of his bail conditions, Mitchell has been ordered to surrender all travel documents to the Court and report to the Marchand Police Station every Thursday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
In addition to the criminal charge, the FIA has initiated forfeiture proceedings for the recovered cash. The matter has been adjourned to Thursday, April 16, 2026, for hearing. Saint Lucia Daily Post will continue to follow developments in this case
