GNF and Customs disrupt trafficking ring as cannabis resin worth EC $75K seized
CASTRIES, St Lucia (April 19, 2025) — A Dennery woman convicted amid Saint Lucia’s growing cannabis smuggling surge is at the center of a major law enforcement breakthrough, as authorities intensify operations targeting drug trafficking networks using private shipping channels.
Quintina Henry, a resident of Dennery, was found guilty of importing cannabis and cannabis resin into Saint Lucia following her arrest in 2024 at the Castries Ferry Terminal. The court has ordered her to pay a fine of USD $18,000 within twelve months or face a one-year custodial sentence.
The Dennery woman convicted amid cannabis smuggling surge case underscores the shifting nature of the island’s drug trafficking landscape, where traffickers are exploiting softer checkpoints in parcel and shipping logistics.
GNF intercepts EC $75K cannabis resin in joint operation
On Monday, April 14, 2025, officers from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms (GNF) Unit, operating in conjunction with the Customs and Excise Department, intercepted 3,000 grams of cannabis resin at a private shipping agency in the north of the island. The seizure, with an estimated street value of EC $75,000, was announced in an official statement issued via the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Facebook page.
The shipment forms part of a disturbing trend, as the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force continues to face mounting challenges in detecting drugs concealed within small packages, often routed through courier services believed to undergo less scrutiny.
Inspector Matthieu: Traffickers evolving beyond containers
Inspector Shervon Matthieu, who leads the GNF Unit, says smugglers are adapting their methods rapidly. “One of our biggest challenges is the evolving nature of smuggling tactics,” Matthieu told DBS News. “Traffickers are no longer relying solely on large containers or traditional shipping methods. Instead, they’re exploiting small packages and private courier services, which often have less oversight.”
The GNF, in response, has expanded surveillance efforts across ferry terminals, courier hubs, and maritime ports. These enhanced checks have yielded multiple interceptions in recent months, signaling a shift in the strategic focus of the unit.
Cross-border links exposed in Canada shipment
Just days before the northern seizure, Customs officials at the Vieux Fort Ports uncovered cannabis resin hidden in orange juice packaging arriving from Canada. The find confirmed long-held suspicions that Saint Lucia’s ports are being exploited as conduits for international drug movements.
Authorities are urging greater collaboration with shipping agents and calling for further investment in non-intrusive inspection technologies to help identify concealed narcotics. Customs has also indicated it will work closely with international partners to trace the origins of high-risk shipments entering the Caribbean.
Community impact and national vigilance
The conviction of Henry and the recent seizures have reignited public discourse about the social cost of narcotics and the role of communities in prevention. Dennery residents have expressed concern over the community’s growing exposure to smuggling networks.
Law enforcement officials continue to appeal for public cooperation in reporting suspicious activity, especially in rural and coastal areas commonly used as pickup zones by traffickers.
“This is a fight that requires not just boots on the ground, but eyes and ears in every community,” said one law enforcement spokesperson, noting that dismantling smuggling rings requires shared responsibility.
A milestone in Saint Lucia’s fight against drug crime
Quintina Henry’s conviction is the latest in a series of legal victories against those involved in drug trafficking. For Saint Lucia’s GNF and Customs divisions, the case highlights not only the increasing complexity of enforcement but also the strategic gains being made through intelligence-driven operations.
As the smuggling surge continues to evolve, authorities reaffirm their commitment to intercepting narcotics, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and safeguarding national security.
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