Following a recent “successful” operation in Wilton’s Yard, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) conducted another targeted operation last weekend in Faux-a-Chaud, a troubled inner-city area of Castries.
Inspector Shervon Matthew, head of the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit, confirmed the details in a media briefing on Friday.
During the operation, seven people were arrested in Faux-a-Chaud for possession of firearms and ammunition. Police also searched abandoned houses in the area, recovering:
- 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition (light armour-piercing rounds compatible with an AR-15 rifle)
- An AR-15 stand
- A magazine
Inspector Matthew emphasised the severity of the findings, stating, “This is how serious this is getting as it relates to gun violence in Saint Lucia.”
Two more suspects were detained in related operations:
- One individual in Wilton’s Yard on a commitment warrant for unpaid drug fines.
- Yanick Gustave of Odsan, arrested on an international warrant for armed robberies in Martinique. Gustave will face extradition proceedings.
Police Send Strong Warning
Matthew commended his officers for their relentless efforts. “We cannot allow crime to continue running our country,” he said. “We must do something about it because crime affects everything, it affects our tourism sector, it affects persons going out on their daily business.”
He also issued a warning to criminals: “You need to stop, and if you don’t stop, we are going to come for you, and we’re gonna deal with it the right way.”
Matthew also thanked the public for their cooperation, urging continued use of the 555 hotline to report illegal activity.
“We want to tell you we’re here for you,” he said. “We are willing to put up that fight.”
