Law enforcement authorities intercepted nearly EC$1 million worth of illegal drugs at Port Castries on Saturday, November 15, uncovering compressed foreign cannabis and cannabis resin concealed in barrels.[1] Officers recovered 22.76 kilograms of compressed cannabis valued at $500,000 from Shed 7.[1] Officers recovered an additional 4.32 kilograms of cannabis and resin worth $400,000 from Shed 6.[1]
All recovered items were photographed, tested and secured.[1] The operation was carried out by the Police Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit and the Customs and Excise Department.[1] Inspector Shervon Matthieu, the officer in charge of the unit, said investigations were continuing into the consignees linked to the intercepted barrels.[1]
A second account confirmed a joint operation at Port Castries on Saturday, November 15 that uncovered a substantial quantity of narcotics.[2] That account said the operation involved Customs, the Gangs and Narcotics Unit and Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority personnel.[2] That account quoted a customs officer describing a large find in several barrels and an apparent deliberate attempt to move illegal substances through standard cargo channels.[2] It placed the find in a broader sustained crackdown on the illegal importation of drugs, firearms and contraband through Port Castries, Port Vieux Fort and courier services.[2]
