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”.
Well, well, well.
Great job officers! However, it is soooooooo sad, that after you went through all this risk at 5 am to expose yourself to potential danger that all these crimos made bail. Awah maysyay, St Lucia not a real place at all. Maybe we should bring Mia Mortley, Prime Minister of Barbados to steer the ship for one week. Just one week and we will see some action from a real leader.
Citizens are asking, will the Police go to the other ghettos like Conway, the CDC right in the middle of Jeremie Street, Grass Street, Marchand and Mon du don. Just asking, because Yo Dee, that they target Grave Yard because the UWP hopeful for Central Castries is from that area. Like I said “Yo Dee”
I have read shate, never in my life have I read a comment like this one from Jane Doe. What a great shame. The crime in St. Lucia was inherited from 1964. Now Jane Dow, do some research and some reading and then you will be educated.
Ms Josephne Antoine, are you and I reading the same comment from Jane Doe? What is so shameful about the post? You seem to be very well piped in to even know that the crime was inherited from 1964, whatever that is supposed to mean.
What is the shate that you are referring to, you claim never in your life to have read, A A…
Ok, forget Jane Doe, what is your input on the situation in the article? Sir, if you have nothing to contribute, I suggest that you keep quiet. One love under the beautiful sunshine!
Jane doe you raise a very good point. It would be interesting if they don’t. They are just as bad as the are in question.
@Josephine Character…….we “inherited” crime…..ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha….so let me ask you this what were we before 1064 ?? I am guessing we were Children of the Himalayas walking around in kilts and halos hovering above our heads ha ha ha ha ha ha O man please stop the nonsense, it is what it is St Lucian’s are/were Hill tempered set of people. We were never Tibetans, that’s why her majesty jail was built before 1964.
@Jane Doe you are correct ….i am trying to understand why they were granted bail…???? St. Lucia needs money to fix the horrible roads, pot holes, healthcare, education and infrastructure…set bail for millions and above for the criminals who are destroying Island and economy. A couple thousand is chump change for these malvetayyes…..what do you think they will do when granted bail????…the laws are counter productive will these good for nothing destroyers and enemies of progress suddenly become law abiding citizens…..think again.
Get a license from the ministry of agriculture to sell the cannabis and stick to the stipulated quantity as set in the law. Why the guns. Are you selling goods on credit.