The Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, has expressed concern and disappointment following the arrest of several employees from the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) and the Customs and Excise Department. The arrests are linked to ongoing investigations into the importation of illegal drugs and weapons through Saint Lucia’s ports.
According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), the arrests followed a series of joint operations targeting smuggling activities at Port Castries. In the most recent operation, Customs and police officers intercepted a vehicle shortly after it collected a consignment of goods. Upon inspection, officers discovered a quantity of illegal drugs concealed within the shipment. Three SLASPA employees were later arrested and charged in relation to the seizure.
Police sources have since confirmed the arrest of another SLASPA employee on Monday in connection with a separate shipment of illegal drugs that was also intercepted by authorities.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a sitting of Parliament, Minister Hippolyte described the revelations as deeply troubling, particularly given the public trust placed in officers responsible for safeguarding the nation’s borders.
“As Saint Lucians, we should all be concerned..these are individuals employed to serve the public, and we cannot allow personal interests to come before the interests of the people,” Minister Hippolyte said.
The Minister commended the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Customs Department for moving swiftly to address the situation, saying it reflected a firm stance against corruption within key state institutions.
“We cannot afford the level of corruption that we are seeing,” she stated. “I am pleased that the authorities have acted quickly to deal with the matter. It is unfortunate that we have to face situations like this, but I am confident that these actions will have a positive impact going forward.”
Earlier this year, an employee of the General Post Office was arrested and charged for the importation of illegal drugs through his place of employment. That incident, combined with the recent arrests at the port, has intensified public scrutiny of security practices across Saint Lucia’s main entry points.
Meanwhile, the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) has declined to comment on the matter, stating only that it will issue a statement “if the need arises.”
The arrests come amid a broader crackdown by law enforcement agencies on illegal smuggling activities through Saint Lucia’s ports, as authorities intensify efforts to root out corruption and strengthen border security.
