BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department has found himself on the wrong side of the law, having been recently slapped with a number of drug-related charged including drug smuggling and possession of cocaine.
A communiqué issued by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force today (Jan. 5) named the officer as Mervin Quanito Matthew of Hibiscus Road, Greenlands.
The release explained that Matthew was travelling from “St. Martin” to St. Kitts aboard LIAT’s morning flight and was arrested following “an intelligence led joint operation” between Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department and the Police Force’s Drug Squad.
The exercise was carried out at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport and information reaching this publication suggests that when Matthew was searched, he allegedly had the contraband stashed in his groin area.
Matthew was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Supply and Importation of Cocaine. He was additionally charged by the Customs Department with Possession of a Quantity of Goods, to wit Cocaine, Signing a Declaration Untrue and Making a Statement to a Customs Officer that is Untrue.
SKNVibes understands that Matthew is still on probation with the Fire Services, having only joined the organisation late last year.
Acting Fire Chief Everette O’Garro, when contacted by SKNVibes, indicated that he is not at liberty to comment on the matter but took the opportunity to issue a warning to other current and potential members of the Service.
“Every person who joins this organisation knows that they are not above the law and, just like others, if they fall short they would be dealt with according to the law. The Fire Services is a semi-military organisation and a high level of discipline and conduct is expected from every person who joins.”
SKNVibes understands that Matthew is likely to be suspended from active duty pending the outcome of the case.
Commissioner of Police Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn has extended thanks to “all those who were instrumental in making this joint operation a success and looks forward to continue to partner with other law enforcement bodies, local, regional and international, to ensure that our Federation remains safe for residents and visitors alike”.
