Three employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) have been arrested and charged in connection with a major drug bust at Port Castries, following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Customs and Excise Department.
The operation, carried out on October 17, 2025, led to the interception of a grey van driven by Cyril Joseph, a Red Cap assigned to the port. Officers discovered a barrel in the vehicle that had not been cleared for customs inspection. A search revealed cannabis, cannabis resin (hashish), and MDMA crystals (commonly known as ecstasy), with an estimated street value of $705 686.50.
Subsequent investigations uncovered what police described as a coordinated effort among several port employees to bypass customs procedures. This led to the arrest of three additional SLASPA workers, including Ian Moncherry and Nadia Edward. A search of Moncherry’s residence reportedly yielded an additional quantity of cannabis resin valued at $4 200.
All three accused were charged on October 22, 2025, with various offences, including importation of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply, aiding and abetting, and fraudulent evasion of customs duties and controls. They appeared before the First District Court on October 24, and were each granted bail in the sum of $45 000, either in cash or with a suitable surety.
The RSLPF emphasised that the operation underscores ongoing efforts to safeguard Saint Lucia’s borders and root out corruption within key institutions.
“This operation is a clear message that corruption and criminal collusion will not be tolerated,” the police statement said, adding that illegal drugs and firearms entering through the island’s ports “directly fuel violent crime, gang activity, and homicides within our communities.”
