A Guyanese national has been remanded into custody after being charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, which were among several items found during a police operation in Castries last week.
Grafton Jones, 28, appeared in court on Monday. However, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) stated in a press release issued on Tuesday that the investigation remains active, as authorities work to determine any further connections to recent robberies and gun-related crimes in the capital.
Last Friday morning, officers from the Drug Unit North, assisted by the Special Services Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence in Wilton’s Yard, Castries. The operation was initiated in response to a rise in criminal activities within Castries, including recent robberies and a shooting.
During the search, officers recovered a Glock 17 pistol with an extended magazine containing 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Additionally, they seized several suspected stolen electronic devices and discovered 166 cannabis plants, which were uprooted.
After the search, Jones was apprehended and taken into custody and subsequently charged with the offences of possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
He has a prior conviction for firearm possession and was previously fined $20 000 for that offence. However, as the fine remains unpaid, the court denied him bail.
The RSLPF stated in its press release that it remains steadfast in its efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities and ensure the safety of citizens.
“We urge anyone with information regarding criminal activities to report it to the nearest police station or call our confidential tip line 555,” it further urged.
I am trying to understand this – he did not pay the fine – but he was out on bail. There is no place like St. Lucia — wow– reporting below from article —-
“He has a prior conviction for firearm possession and was previously fined $20 000 for that offence. However, as the fine remains unpaid, the court denied him bail.”
ANONYMOUS, read carefully and understand clearly. I shall explain, he was denied bail on the CURRENT possession charge on the basis that he had failed to pay the fine imposed on him for a PREVIOUS conviction for possession of a firearm.
@WATCHER – I certainly don’t need you to assist me in understanding and reading – I reposted the article to make a point.
He should have been KEPT in jail for the PRIOR conviction as well as his inability to pay the fine. If he was in jail there would have been no CURRENT conviction – you Lucians always want to correct folk – correct yourself.
I do hope that he’s deported after his sentence. Because frankly, he’s doing no good deeds in Saint Lucia.
ANONYMOUS, LOL, based on your first comment it is pellucidly clear that you did not understand the reference to the bail issue in the article. With great conviction and confidence, you proceeded to opine erroneously on the issue thereby revealing your limited comprehension skills and common sense. I understand your embarrassment however if you choose to comment in a public forum then be prepared to be corrected.
@watcher, there was no need for a correction in the first place. You think you too bright.
@ hmmmm, typical asinine response… ” you think you too bright” besides, if you see no need for the correction that means you’re just as misguided and clueless yourself.