Police launched a major operation in the capital in the early hours of Sunday, August 24, exactly one week after a wave of deadly gun violence left two men dead and several others injured.
The operation, which focused on the Darling Road and Conway areas, involved multiple units of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, including the Drug Squad, K9 Unit, Special Services Unit (SSU), the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU), the Police Mobile Unit, and the Traffic Department.
Though details are still emerging, the Saint Lucia Daily Post has confirmed that several individuals were arrested and illegal drugs seized during the raids.
Saturday’s crackdown mirrors a similar police operation carried out in April in Wilton’s Yard, which resulted in multiple arrests, including persons wanted on outstanding warrants. Officers at that time also recovered firearms, ammunition, drugs, cash, and other contraband. Among those arrested in that operation was a differently abled man confined to a wheelchair, who was charged for possession of an illegal firearm.
The latest operation comes amid heightened police presence in Castries following last week’s daylight double homicide. In two separate shootings on August 16th, gunmen opened fire along Jeremie Street and Micoud Street near the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
The incidents claimed the lives of 25-year-old Jamie Williams of Morne Du Don and Takim “Taco Bell” James. Several bystanders were also injured, including a mother and her son who were shopping for school supplies ahead of the new school year. The boy, a resident of Dennery, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Two suspects were arrested later that day in connection with the shootings, though no charges have yet been laid.
