A 50-year-old man has pleaded guilty to firearm, ammunition, and drug-related charges before the High Court, following a police operation in Castries late last year.
Chester Garner Ernest appeared in court on Wednesday, October 15, where he admitted to possessing an illegal firearm, 264 rounds of ammunition, and a quantity of cannabis.
The charges stem from a police search of Ernest’s residence in Carellie, Castries, in December 2024. According to police the firearm was discovered hidden inside a pair of sneakers, the ammunition was concealed in a false air-conditioning vent, and the marijuana packed in a barrel.
Ernest was charged with possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of ammunition, possession of controlled drugs, and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2025.
Ernest, who also holds U.S. citizenship, remains on remand at the Bordelais Correctional Facility in connection with a separate matter.
Police confirmed that he is also facing charges related to a 2022 firearm seizure at the Castries Port. Following the review of new evidence in February 2025, the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit reopened the investigation, leading to Ernest being charged on July 4, 2025, with three counts of firearms importation.
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Please, please, please, Mr. Nelson. The correct spelling is “CARELLIE” and not Careille. I know because the Estate belonged to my Grand parents.