A coordinated anti-crime operation conducted by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force on Friday, May 29, 2026, has resulted in the recovery of illegal firearms, multiple traffic enforcement actions, and a shooting incident involving a motorist who failed to comply with police instructions.
In a video release on June 3, Head of the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, Inspector Shervon Mathieu, said the exercise formed part of a wider strategy targeting high crime areas across the Central Division through coordinated patrols, checkpoints and intelligence-led searches.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force wishes to inform the public of a coordinated joint police operation across multiple communities within the Central Division on the evening of Friday 29th May 2026,” Mathieu stated.
He explained that the operation involved a broad range of enforcement measures designed to detect illegal weapons and improve public safety.
“The operation focused on traffic enforcement through vehicular checkpoints and snap checks, mobile and foot patrols, as well as targeted sweeps of identified high crime areas,” he said.
According to Mathieu, officers conducted extensive road checks and searches across several strategic locations.
“Routine vehicular checks were conducted at strategic locations throughout the Central Division while simultaneous patrols and searches were carried out in areas of interest with the objective of detecting legal firearms, apprehending offenders, and enforcing road traffic regulations,” he said.
The operation led to significant enforcement activity, including hundreds of vehicle stops and multiple traffic violations.
“As a result of the operation, a total of 379 vehicles were stopped and checked. 22 vehicles were searched, 56 persons were searched, and 26 traffic tickets were issued for various traffic violations. Three vehicles were impounded for various traffic-related offences,” Mathieu reported.
He further confirmed that officers recovered prohibited items during the course of the exercise.
“Other prohibited items and weapons were recovered during this operation,” he added.
Tensions escalated later in the evening when police responded to reports of gunfire in the Agard, Morne Du Don community during a social event.
“During the execution of the operation, police received multiple reports from residents of the Agard community regarding gunshots being fired in the vicinity of an ongoing social event,” Mathieu said.
He stated that officers immediately responded and encountered a suspect believed to be armed.
“Officers immediately responded to the area and observed a male suspect in possession of a firearm. This individual fled upon seeing the police and retreated into his residence. The officers gave chase and following, a search officer recovered one Glock 27 pistol,” he said.
Following the incident, 49-year-old Uranus Agustin of Agard, Morne Du Don was arrested and charged.
“As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Uranus Agustin of Agard, Morne Dudon was arrested and charged for the offence of possession of firearm,” Mathieu confirmed.
He added that Agustin was formally charged and brought before the courts.
“Mr. Agustin was formally charged on Monday, 1st June, 2026 and appeared before the District Court on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026. He was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 cash, also double surety, along with conditions imposed by the court,” he said.
In a separate development during the same operation, police discharged a firearm after a motorist failed to comply with instructions at a checkpoint in Bocage, Castries.
“During the operation, officers conducting a police checkpoint at Bocage signal a motor vehicle to stop. The driver failed to comply and proceeded through the checkpoint,” Mathieu said.
He confirmed that the driver sustained a gunshot injury and was taken for medical treatment.
“During the ensuing incident, he sustained a gunshot injury and was transported to the Owen King EU Hospital, where he remains under medical care,” he stated.
Mathieu further indicated that charges are expected upon the driver’s release from hospital.
“Upon his release from hospital, he is expected to be arrested and charged for the offence of failing to comply, an offence which now carries a maximum penalty of EC $10,000,” he said.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement operations aimed at reducing violent crime, removing illegal firearms from communities, and improving road safety.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force remains committed to proactive policing initiatives aimed at reducing crime, removing illegal firearms from communities and improving road safety and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors,” Mathieu added.