Police investigation continues after Vieux Fort drug bust leads to arrest of customs staff and civilian
VIEUX FORT, St Lucia — A female customs administrative staff member assigned to the Vieux Fort office and a male civilian have been arrested following a Vieux Fort drug bust carried out by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
The operation was led by the Gang, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNFU) on Friday and forms part of a wider push to dismantle illegal narcotics networks across the island. Both individuals were taken into custody as part of the sting, which targeted suspected trafficking activities in the south.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has confirmed that the suspects remain in custody. Formal charges are expected later this week, though police have not yet disclosed the type or quantity of drugs involved. The investigation remains active, and authorities have indicated that additional details will be released at an appropriate time.
This arrest comes amid intensified anti-drug efforts by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force ( RSLPF). In April, police seized multiple firearms and a quantity of ammunition during a major Castries port gun seizure operation, signaling increased enforcement at critical national entry points. Similarly, the recent St Lucia organized crime crackdown demonstrated the government’s resolve to target smuggling networks and their enablers, including potential collaborators within public institutions.
The involvement of a public service employee in a drug-related case has renewed scrutiny over internal oversight within state agencies. The Customs and Excise Department has not yet commented on the arrest of its administrative staff member.
The GNFU, which is tasked with investigating narcotics and firearms offenses, continues to lead operations aimed at curbing organized criminal activity, particularly in border towns such as Vieux Fort.
This latest Vieux Fort drug bust underscores the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s expanding counter-narcotics strategy, with growing collaboration between units and increased monitoring of both private citizens and public personnel suspected of aiding illegal operations.
Unitedpac St Lucia News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.