In a major crackdown on crime, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has arrested eight people and seized illegal firearms, ammunition and a significant quantity of drugs during a targeted operation in and around Wilton’s Yard, a neighbourhood long plagued by armed robberies, drug trafficking and violent crime.
The early-morning multiagency raid, conducted on Saturday, April 5, resulted in the recovery of 1,480 grams of cocaine, a Glock pistol, and multiple rounds of ammunition, including 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition discovered in abandoned buildings.
Police confiscated two unregistered motorcycles and suspected stolen electronics as part of the operation in the area, also known as Graveyard.
Following the operation, during which 30 search warrants were executed, seven suspects appeared in the First District Court this week to face charges.
- Kerim Luke Sylvestre was charged with unlicensed possession of 40 rounds of 5.56 ammunition and granted $10,000 bail.
- Jn Markie Jn Louis (alias Garvin Jn Louis), Darnell Dannyson Marcial George, and Tafari Calderon (alias Jayden Joseph) were each charged with unlicensed possession of 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition and granted $5,000 bail.
- Alexander Johnny (alias Zanda) was charged with possession of controlled drugs, possession with intent to supply, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. He was granted $29,500 bail.
- Gregor Jn Baptiste was charged with possession of cocaine and possession with intent to supply, with bail set at $7,000 and $8,000, respectively.
- Alfred Christopher (aka Fredo) was charged with two counts of armed robbery and unlicensed possession of 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition. He was granted $5,000 bail for the ammunition charge, and his bail hearing for the robbery charges is pending.
The RSLPF said the operation, which ran from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., was launched in response to a surge in gun-related violence and increasing community reports of illicit activities.
It also included a traffic enforcement phase, where police stopped 78 vehicles, issued 40 violations, and impounded 10 vehicles, including three motorcycles. Officers also recovered knives and bladed weapons from abandoned structures and executed a criminal commitment warrant against Appolinus Mathurin for drug possession.
A Mobile Command Station was deployed to coordinate efforts, and authorities confirmed the operation concluded without casualties, with all actions conducted “in accordance with the law”.
