$1.4M Cocaine Bust: Two Arrested in Micoud

Saint Lucia law enforcement officers have made a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, seizing over $1.4 million worth of cocaine during an intelligence-driven operation in Micoud on Monday.

As a result of the bust, Lucius Popo of Babonneau and Khery Richardson of Castries were charged with cocaine possession and possession with intent to supply. They were remanded at the Bordelais Correctional Facility until April 17, after appearing in the Second District Court in Vieux Fort on Tuesday.

Inspector Shervon Matthieu, in charge of the Gang, Narcotic, and Firearms Unit (GNFU), said in a statement on Wednesday that the sting was carried out in the early hours of Monday by officers from the southern detachment of the GNFU and the Tactical Response Unit.

Officers intercepted and searched a vehicle driven by Popo, with Richardson as a passenger, around 2:30 a.m. at Vierge Point, Micoud.A Glock 25 .380 pistol, 15 rounds of ammunition, and a Firearm User Licence belonging to Popo were found, along with 50 blocks of cocaine with an estimated street value of $1 431 750.

Both men were arrested and taken to the Micoud Police Station, where they were subsequently charged.Inspector Matthieu commended the officers involved in the operation for their dedication.

“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force extends its sincerest gratitude to every officer who contributed to the meticulous planning and execution of this operation. Your unwavering commitment to duty, professionalism, and teamwork were instrumental in this significant drug and firearm interdiction,” he said.

“The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our law enforcement officers, who work tirelessly to protect our communities and combat organised crime.

“We recognise the efforts of the Central Intelligence Unit, the Tactical Response Unit, and the Gang, Narcotic, and Firearms Unit – Southern Detachment, whose coordination and execution of this mission exemplify the highest standards of policing,” he added.