A joint police and customs operation at Port Castries has led to the seizure of over 2.5 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside tins labelled as “dried fruit”.
The bust took place on Friday, August 8, when a team from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, along with Customs & Excise officers, inspected a barrel consigned to Alston Singh, a Bonneterre native now living in Babonneau. Singh had arrived at Shed 6 to clear the shipment when officers discovered five suspicious tins during the search.
Police say the packaging matched concealment methods used in recent drug smuggling attempts, prompting a more thorough inspection. One tin was opened on site, revealing compressed green plant material. Field testing confirmed it was cannabis. The total seizure amounted to 2.58 kilograms, with an estimated street value of EC$51,600.
Singh was arrested and later charged with:
- Importation of Controlled Drugs – Section 5, Drug (Prevention of Misuse) Act
- Possession with Intent to Supply – Drug (Prevention of Misuse) Act
- Fraudulent Evasion – Section 116(2)(b), Customs Act
- Goods Improperly Imported – Section 32(1)(b)(d)(f), Customs Act
He appeared before the First District Court on Wednesday, August 13, where he was granted bail of EC$30,000, cash or suitable surety, along with additional court-imposed conditions.
Police also revealed Singh is under investigation in connection with a December 5, 2024, case involving marijuana by-products and MDMA (Ecstasy) concealed in a shipment at a Castries courier facility. That matter remains under review in relation to the current case.
The RSLPF says the interception is part of its ongoing effort to crack down on the illegal importation of controlled substances and strengthen border security in collaboration with Customs.
