CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – In a Bois Patat firearm seizure that uncovered a prohibited submachine gun and two pistols, police arrested a 21-year-old woman and a 15-year-old girl during a high-stakes operation in Castries. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) confirmed that the seizure, which occurred on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, around 7:30 p.m., also led to the discovery of nearly 200 rounds of ammunition and over 1,000 grams of cannabis.
The operation was executed by officers attached to the Gang, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit, in collaboration with the Special Operations Team and Special Services Unit North.
Details Emerge from Bois Patat Firearm Seizure
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered:
- A prohibited submachine gun
- A Glock 25 pistol and a 9mm pistol
- 196 rounds of various ammunition
- 1,071 grams of cannabis
Following the seizure, 21-year-old Ashley Nelson and a 15-year-old female, both residents of Bois Patat, were arrested and formally charged with 12 counts each, including:
- Two counts of possession of a firearm
- One count of possession of a prohibited weapon
- Two counts of possession of component parts of a firearm
- Three counts of possession of ammunition
- One count of possession of cannabis
- One count of possession of cannabis with intent to supply
Court Appearances and Remand
The 15-year-old, identified as a resident of Forgotten Boundary, appeared before a magistrate on Thursday, March 27, 2025, and was remanded into custody until Thursday, April 3, 2025, on firearm-related charges. Ashley Nelson appeared before a magistrate on Friday, March 28, 2025, and was remanded to the Bordelais Correctional Facility until April 29, 2025.
Connections to Recent Busts Highlight Ongoing Crime Crackdown
The recent Bois Patat firearm seizure is part of a broader crackdown on illegal firearms and narcotics in Saint Lucia. Law enforcement efforts have intensified in recent months, with several high-profile operations yielding significant arrests and seizures.
In February 2025, the RSLPF arrested Vincentian nationals linked to a similar bust, where multiple firearms and quantities of illegal drugs were seized during coordinated operations. Read more about that operation here.
Additionally, another massive drug bust by the RSLPF earlier this year led to the arrest of multiple individuals and the seizure of ammunition and illegal narcotics. These operations underscore the authorities’ determination to dismantle criminal networks and reduce the proliferation of illegal weapons on the island.
Islandwide Operations Yield Multiple Arrests
In a continued effort to combat rising crime and illegal activity, law enforcement agencies conducted a series of coordinated joint operations across the island between March 26-27, 2025. The operations, spearheaded by the Gang, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (North and South), the Special Operations Team, Tactical Response Team (South), the Financial Intelligence Agency, and the Central Intelligence Unit, focused on executing search and arrest warrants targeting individuals involved in drug and firearm-related offenses.
Seizures and Arrests in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort
In Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, two search warrants led to the seizure of:
- 450 grams of cured cannabis
- 325 cannabis plants
Authorities took Mickael Sealys and Michel Sealys into custody. Both were formally charged and later granted bail.
Targeted Operations in Sarrot, Bexon, and Corinth
Additional joint operations targeted several locations, leading to the apprehension of three individuals:
- Ruben Cox (Sarrot): Arrested for possession and intent to supply controlled drugs.
- Henson Anthony (Bexon): Taken into custody for failing to pay a $15,000 fine related to a 2023 firearm offense.
- Benjamin Honora (Reduit): Apprehended for non-payment of a $50,000 fine stemming from a 2020 firearm conviction.
All recovered evidence remains securely in police custody.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Public Safety
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to tackling crime and ensuring public safety. In an official statement, the RSLPF commended the dedication and vigilance of the officers involved in the successful operations.
“These operations demonstrate our ongoing commitment to combatting criminal activities and removing illegal firearms, drugs, and offenders from our communities. The success of these efforts is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice of our officers,” the statement read.
The RSLPF further expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support and cooperation. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and place their trust in the police’s efforts to uphold law and order.
Collaborative Efforts to Build a Safer Saint Lucia
As the island grapples with an increase in firearm-related offenses, these recent operations highlight the importance of sustained collaboration between law enforcement units and the public. Authorities pledged to maintain momentum in dismantling criminal networks and removing dangerous weapons from communities.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force reaffirmed its resolve, stating, “Together, we will continue working relentlessly to curb crime and build a safer Saint Lucia.”
This latest string of arrests and seizures underscores the RSLPF’s intensified efforts to rid the streets of illegal firearms, narcotics, and dangerous offenders while enhancing public safety across the island.
For ongoing updates on Saint Lucia’s crime prevention efforts, judicial proceedings, and community safety initiatives, Unitedpac St. Lucia News remains the trusted source for accurate and timely information.
