CASTRIES, St Lucia — A Hewanorra airport firearm seizure involving a 52-year-old American national arriving from Atlanta has led to multiple firearm-related charges after police uncovered additional weapons and suspected firearm components during a wider investigation in southern St Lucia.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force said officers attached to the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South) responded Tuesday, May 5, to a report from the Customs and Excise Department at Hewanorra International Airport after suspected firearm magazines were allegedly found concealed in luggage.
Police identified the American national as Shelly Ann Paul.
Further investigations led officers to intercept a vehicle driven by 51-year-old Lenny Hyacinth Noelien at the Vieux Fort Free Zone. Authorities said officers discovered a pistol inside the vehicle for which Noelien reportedly produced a valid firearm licence.
Both individuals were arrested and taken into custody as investigators expanded the probe.
Hewanorra airport firearm seizure expands into Gros Islet searches
Police said coordinated searches were conducted Wednesday, May 6, at Noelien’s residence in Beausejour, Gros Islet, and Paul’s residence in Cap Estate, Gros Islet.
During those operations, officers reportedly recovered a revolver along with additional firearm components that police said were not authorized under Noelien’s firearm licence.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact number or type of firearm components allegedly recovered during the searches.
Multiple firearm-related charges filed
On Thursday, May 7, both individuals were formally charged with multiple firearm-related offences.
Paul was granted bail in the sum of EC$47,000, while Noelien was granted bail totaling EC$65,000.
Police have not yet released a detailed breakdown of the charges filed against either accused.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement authorities continue heightened efforts targeting illegal firearms and unauthorized weapon components entering St Lucia through ports of entry. The latest case follows other recent enforcement operations, including a Soufriere police operation that resulted in multiple arrests and ammunition seizures as authorities intensify crackdowns on firearm-related offences across the island.
