CASTRIES, St Lucia — A Vieux Fort firearm recovery during a joint police operation in the south has led to charges against three individuals after officers discovered a rifle during a search of a residence in Morne Cayenne, authorities said.
The operation was carried out on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, by the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, including its Northern and Southern detachments, with support from the Southern Tactical Response Team and the K9 Unit.
Police said officers searched a residence at Morne Cayenne, Vieux Fort, where they recovered one rifle. Three people were arrested following that search and later charged with possession of a firearm.
The accused were identified as 55-year-old Linus Fontenelle, 24-year-old Kwame Fontenelle, and 52-year-old Berthelia Winter. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force said all three appeared before a magistrate and were granted bail in the sum of EC$35,000, cash or suitable surety.
Morne Cayenne search leads to Vieux Fort firearm recovery
The Vieux Fort firearm recovery is the more serious of the two seizures outlined in the police report and highlights the continued focus on illegal weapons operations in the south of the island.
Police did not disclose additional details about the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the rifle, including whether investigators believe the weapon was linked to any other matter. No further allegations were outlined in the report beyond the firearm possession charge.
The arrests in Morne Cayenne came during a coordinated operation involving multiple police units, reflecting what appears to be an intensified law enforcement push targeting firearms, narcotics, and gang-related activity in communities of concern.
Micoud ammunition seizure leads to separate charge
At a separate location in Dugard, Micoud, officers recovered one round of 5.56 ammunition, police said. One man, identified as 25-year-old Kervan Laurence, was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of ammunition in connection with that seizure.
During a bail hearing, Laurence was granted bail in the amount of EC$3,500, cash or suitable surety. As part of his bail conditions, he is required to report to the Vieux Fort Police Station every Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Police also said Laurence was ordered to surrender all travel documents as part of those conditions.
Police have repeatedly warned that the circulation of illegal firearms remains a major driver of violent crime across the island, including incidents such as the Anse La Raye shooting that claimed the life of Shawndel Deterville.
The latest operation underscores the continued presence of firearms and ammunition cases in southern St Lucia, an issue with direct implications for public safety and community security. It also shows the extent to which police are relying on joint tactical deployments to pursue weapons-related enforcement across multiple districts.
