In the early hours of Thursday, November 20, 2025, officers attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU) in Castries conducted a routine mobile patrol in La Croix Mingot. Around 1:30 a.m., officers stopped a motor vehicle with two occupants and executed a search that resulted in the discovery of one (1) black Glock 19 pistol and eleven (11) rounds of ammunition.

The occupants, 34-year-old Melvin Montoute of St. Lawrence Street, Anse La Raye, and 27-year-old Shaquille De Leon of Marigot, were immediately taken into police custody. Both men have since been charged with Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition, offences that continue to play a major role in the island’s security landscape.

This latest seizure adds to a series of successful drug and weapon interceptions carried out by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) in recent months. Authorities say these operations reflect intensified efforts to curb the circulation of illegal weapons, dismantle criminal networks, and reduce gun-related violence across the island.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Montoute and De Leon were escorted to the First District Court for bail hearings. They were each granted bail in the sum of $25,000 cash or suitable surety for the firearm possession charge, and an additional $10,000 cash or surety for the ammunition possession offence.

Police continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as they work to stem the flow of illegal weapons and maintain public safety.