A 24-year-old man from Castries has been formally charged in connection with one of Saint Lucia’s largest firearm interdictions in recent years.
Malik Francis Phillip of Conway/Barnard Hill was arrested on September 23, following a months-long investigation into a suspected gun smuggling operation. His arrest stems from a May 27 operation at Shed 7, Port Castries, where law enforcement officers discovered a barrel, consigned to Phillip, containing multiple firearms and over 3 000 rounds of ammunition.
According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), a multi-agency patrol involving the Gangs, Firearms and Narcotics Unit, the Special Operations Team, and the Customs K9 Unit was instrumental in intercepting the illegal shipment. A Customs dog initially alerted authorities to the suspicious barrel.
Following extensive forensic analysis and intelligence gathering, Phillip was apprehended without incident and later charged after consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Charges laid
Phillip faces 48 charges under the Firearms Act, including:
- 5 counts of Importation of prohibited weapons (AR-15 rifles)
- 12 counts of Importation of firearms (pistols)
- 7 counts of importation of ammunition (covering seven calibres)
- 5 counts of possession of prohibited weapons
- 12 counts of possession of firearms
- 7 counts of possession of ammunition
Authorities also confirmed that 48 additional customs-related charges — pertaining to importation violations, false documentation, and undeclared items — will be laid during indictment proceedings.
Phillip is expected to appear in court on September 24, 2025. Due to the severity of the offences, the case will bypass the Magistrates’ Court and be committed directly to the High Court. He will remain in custody until trial.
