Officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force searched a home in Black Bay, Laborie, on 10 January 2026 and seized 23.2 pounds (about 10.5 kg) of suspected cannabis.[1][2] They also recovered EC$765 in cash, which police described as suspected proceeds of drug activity, and put the street value of the drugs at EC$10,440.[1][2]
Officers then found six cannabis plantations in the surrounding area and seized and destroyed 1,368 plants.[1][2] The searches were part of three targeted operations across Soufriere, Choiseul and Laborie by the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit together with the Tactical Response Unit and the Special Services Unit.[1][2]
Leroy Willie was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply and cultivation.[1][2] Glenroy Willie, 44, of the same household was arrested on 11 January after further investigation and faces similar charges.[1][2] Both men were due before a magistrate on 13 January.[1][2]
Reaction
The Herbal Cooperative, which represents the island’s emerging cannabis industry, called on the government for updates on decriminalisation after the crackdown that destroyed more than 1,300 plants and led to the two arrests.[3][4]
At a police press conference on 15 January 2026, Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas said officers will continue to crack down on cannabis use as long as it remains illegal, and that no cannabis farmers were legally registered on the island.[4]
