WSPC 407 Zane Romulus of the RSLPF Communications Unit reported that three employees of the Customs and Excise Department were taken into police custody as part of an ongoing investigation into drug importation and trafficking at the Vieux Fort port.
Romulus explained, “The operation forms part of a wider probe that began in May 2025 after officers discovered cannabis resin concealed within imported food items. Acting on intelligence, the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit and the Central Intelligence Unit conducted an operation at the Vieux Fort port on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The exercise resulted in the seizure of cannabis resin with an estimated trade value of $68,000 EC.”
The three customs employees were detained on suspicion of importation of controlled drugs and uttering false documents. Authorities allege that the suspects exploited their positions to falsify documentation, enabling narcotics to be concealed within legitimate shipments.
Further charges have emerged from separate incidents earlier in October. Inspector Shervon Mathieu, Head of the Gang, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, reported that following an investigation at the General Post Office on October 3, Rafael Henry of Anse La Raye, a General Post Office employee, was formally charged with six counts of fraudulent invasion under Section 116 of the Customs Management Act of Saint Lucia.
Inspector Mathieu stated, “Mr. Henry appeared before Margin Street and was granted bail in the sum of 2,000 on each charge, totalling 12,000 on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 6, 2025.”
Additionally, investigations into the October 3 incident at Podcast Trees led to charges against Nadeige Dainer-Edward of Vieux Fort. She faces offences including importation of a controlled drug, possession of a controlled drug, and possession with intent to supply under the Drug Prevention and Misuse Act.
Inspector Mathieu detailed, “These charges stemmed from the recovery of 107 grams of suspected cannabis resin valued at EC $4,280, found concealed inside a pouch belonging to the accused as she disembarked the Capo Rosso vessel arriving from Martinique. Ms. Edward was taken before court on October 7, 2025, when she was bailed in the sum of $6,000. She is scheduled to appear in court again on November 25, 2025.”
The RSLPF emphasized that these operations demonstrate the ongoing commitment to intercept illegal drugs at the point of entry and to uphold law and order within Saint Lucia’s ports.
