The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) Southern Division has reported a series of significant incidents over the past week, including a tragic fatal collision, multiple arrests for drug-related offenses, and a major weekend operation in Soufriere.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Victorin, who heads the Southern Division, provided a detailed update at the RSLPF’s monthly press confrence, describing the week as both “intense and demanding” for officers stationed in the south.
The most tragic of the incidents occurred on Saturday, October 25, around 1:08 a.m., along the Vieux Fort–Laborie Highway near the police marine base.
According to ASP Victorin, preliminary investigations suggest that three minibuses, registration numbers TX 1541, M 1233, and M 326, were involved in the collision.
“It appears that M 326 veered right, colliding first with TX 1541 and then with M 1233,” ASP Victorin explained.
Four-year-old Ricky Samuel of Laborie suffered severe head injuries and was transported to St. Jude Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“The driver of M 326, who was initially unresponsive, regained consciousness yesterday morning. He will be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,” Victorin added.
Meanwhile, on Friday, October 17, officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) executed a search warrant at the residence of Victor Shy, 33, at Bruceville, Vieux Fort.
“During the search, officers discovered and seized one empty Glock magazine and a quantity of seeds believed to be cannabis,” ASP Victorin reported.
Both Victor Shy and his brother Coulson Johnson, 23, were arrested and charged with possession of a component part of a firearm and possession of controlled drugs. They appeared before the Second District Court and have since been granted bail.
In a separate operation conducted on Saturday, October 18, multiple police departments carried out a coordinated sweep in Soufriere, targeting areas along Baron Drive and Market Road.
The operation resulted in 75 vehicles stopped and checked, 10 traffic tickets issued, and 4 vehicles impounded. Police also seized 476 wraps of plant material believed to be cannabis and arrested six individuals.
Among them was 22-year-old Maxwell Snack of Beach Street, Soufrière, who was charged with possession of controlled drugs and possession with intent to supply.
On Monday, October 20, Snack appeared before the Second District Court, where bail was set at $1,000 for simple possession and $1,500 for possession with intent to supply. He is also required to report to the Soufrière Police Station every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
ASP Victorin also highlighted the successful staging of the the Jounen Kweyol activity in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort which took place over the weekend without any major incidents.
“Despite traffic management challenges due to the layout of the event grounds, our officers implemented an effective plan that ensured smooth movement, no collisions, and no criminal activity,” he said.
ASP Victorin commended the professionalism of officers in the division and assured the public that investigations into all ongoing matters, particularly the fatal collision, will be conducted thoroughly.
“The Southern Division remains committed to maintaining public safety and ensuring accountability in all investigations,” he stated.
