CASTRIES, St Lucia — A Port Castries drug bust on Thursday resulted in the seizure of more than EC$4 million worth of cannabis and cannabis resin, along with a large sum of U.S. currency, authorities confirmed.
The joint operation, carried out by the Customs and Excise Department and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, targeted a shipment at the island’s main port, where officers detected irregularities during inspection.
A deeper search led to the discovery of approximately 149.69 kilograms of compressed cannabis and 10.144 kilograms of cannabis resin concealed within the cargo.
Officials said the cannabis resin carries an estimated street value of EC$405,760, while the compressed cannabis is valued at approximately EC$3,742,250.
In addition to the narcotics, officers recovered US$110,000 hidden within the same shipment, raising further questions about the scope and coordination of the operation behind the cargo.
Seizure raises fresh concerns after Port Castries drug bust
The discovery underscores ongoing concerns about the use of commercial shipping channels to move illicit drugs through St Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on port inspections and inter-agency collaboration as traffickers adapt methods to evade detection, alongside recent St Lucia drug arrests tied to wider anti-narcotics operations.
Investigation ongoing after major seizure
Police confirmed that one individual is currently in custody, assisting investigators. No charges had been announced as of publication, and authorities had not disclosed the origin or intended destination of the shipment.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force said investigations are continuing as officers work to determine whether additional individuals or networks are linked to the seizure.
The scale of the drugs and cash recovered is expected to remain central to the inquiry as authorities seek to disrupt trafficking routes and identify those responsible for the shipment.
