The Customs and Excise Department says it has dealt a significant blow to organized crime over the past two years, intercepting illegal firearms, narcotics and large sums of cash as part of an intensified border security campaign.
Comptroller of Customs Sherman Emmanuel, speaking at a recent police press conference, said the department has strengthened its role in protecting the country’s ports of entry by disrupting trafficking networks and increasing interceptions through airports and courier services.
“Over the past two years, our department in our border security mandate has disrupted trafficking networks, recording major seizures of various narcotics, weapons, and currency,” Emmanuel said.
He noted that Customs officers have expanded their detection capabilities at key points of entry.
“We have also increased detections through courier channels and airports,” he added.
According to Emmanuel, the department’s recent operations have resulted in the seizure of dozens of illegal firearms and millions of dollars’ worth of narcotics.
“Just a few statistics in the past year and a half, we have intercepted approximately 35 firearms, significant quantities of narcotics with a street value of approximately nine million dollars, as well as currency of a little under half a million dollars,” he said.
The Comptroller credited close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies for the success of recent enforcement efforts.
“Joint operations with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Port Authorities have led to multiple arrests and the disruption of facilitation networks,” Emmanuel explained. “These operations demonstrate the value of shared intelligence and coordinated interdiction.”
Looking ahead, Emmanuel said Customs is introducing a formal risk management framework that will allow officers to focus resources more effectively on high-risk cargo and travelers.
“We are also implementing a formal risk management strategy and framework. And I think that one we are most excited about,” he said.
The new system will strengthen intelligence-led enforcement across the department’s operations.
“It will embed intelligence-led decision-making across all customs operations,” Emmanuel explained.
He said the framework will rely on integrated data and risk analysis to improve border security while facilitating legitimate trade.
“This framework will use integrated data, risk signals, and targeted controls to focus resources where they matter most,” he said.
“By prioritizing high-risk consignments and travelers, we will reduce unnecessary interventions on compliant traders, speed up clearance for legitimate business, and increase the probability of intercepting illicit consignments.”
The Customs and Excise Department says the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to enhance border security while ensuring the efficient movement of legitimate goods and travelers through Saint Lucia’s ports.