Border corruption concerns deepen as SLASPA employees charged following major drug seizure
CASTRIES, St Lucia — Three employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug bust valued at approximately $705,686 at Port Castries, following a joint operation by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Customs and Excise Department.
According to police, the intelligence-led operation was executed on October 17, 2025, when officers intercepted a grey van driven by Cyril Joseph, a Red Cap assigned to the port. Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered a barrel that had not been processed through customs inspection.
A search revealed quantities of cannabis, cannabis resin (hashish), and MDMA crystals, commonly known as ecstasy, with a total estimated street value of $705,686.50. Investigators said the operation exposed a coordinated scheme among several port workers to circumvent customs clearance procedures.
Two other SLASPA employees, identified as Ian Moncherry and Nadia Edward, were later detained in connection with the probe. A subsequent search of Moncherry’s home reportedly led to the discovery of additional cannabis resin valued at $4,200.
All three were charged on October 22 with multiple offences, including importation of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply, aiding and abetting, and fraudulent evasion of customs duties. They appeared before the First District Court on October 24 and were each granted bail in the amount of $45,000, either in cash or with a suitable surety.
In an official statement, the RSLPF underscored that the operation reflects ongoing efforts to curb corruption and strengthen border control. “This operation is a clear message that corruption and criminal collusion will not be tolerated,” police said. “Illegal drugs and firearms entering through the island’s ports directly fuel violent crime, gang activity, and homicides within our communities.”
The case adds to a growing list of narcotics-related prosecutions across Saint Lucia in recent months. In a similar enforcement action, a Carellie man pleaded guilty to firearm and drug charges in Castries, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to tackling organized crime and port-related smuggling activities.
Law enforcement officials said investigations remain ongoing as part of a wider crackdown targeting corruption and criminal networks operating within key national institutions.
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