BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the discovery of 29 dime bags of cocaine within a vehicle at the Southeast Peninsula and two illegal firearms, ammunition and a large quantity of cocaine in Greenlands early Saturday afternoon (Aug. 6); later that evening, police ranks had discovered three more illegal firearms and a large quantity of ammunition also in Greenlands.
A police report stated Saturday’s operations were part of the Police Force’s ongoing “Operation Mid Sweep”, and that the discovery of the dime bags of cocaine was made by members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force during a Stop and Search.
As a result of that discovery, one man was taken into custody and members of the Special Services Unit (SSU) and the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) had executed search warrants on properties in Newtown and Greenlands, which were identified as his residences.
At the Newtown property, the officers reportedly discovered a large quantity of marijuana and a search of the property in Greenlands resulted in the find of a Smith and Wesson .40 pistol and a .40 pistol with ammunition as well as a large quantity of cocaine.
As a result of the discovery of the two firearms, later that evening members of the SSU and ADU conducted a search of an abandoned property in Greenlands.
That search resulted in the discovery of a Mac 10 pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a .357 Magnum revolver and 221 rounds of ammunition.
This recent find has taken to 35 the number of illegal firearms removed from the streets of St. Kitts and Nevis for the year.
Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley commended the soldiers for the discovery made during the Stop and Search Operation in the Southeast Peninsula.
“Today’s [Saturday] action by the Defence Force in executing a Stop and Search and through their demonstrated vigilance discovered a quantity of cocaine was the first step towards the success we see today. I commend them, and thank them for their partnership. And their action today underscores the significance of members of the Defence Force being conferred with powers pursuant to the proclamation that was issued in support of the police.”
He also commended officers of the SSU and the ADU for the discovery and seizure of the illegal firearms and ammunition.
“I also want to commend our officers in the SSU and the Anti-Drug Unit. Your attention to detail and leaving no space untouched during your search resulted in the discovery of the two illegal firearms. Good policing and the resolve of your team resulted in an additional search of the surrounding areas and an abandoned house, and it paid off with the discovery of three more illegal firearms and a large quantity of ammunition.
“Today’s [Saturday] success highlights your demonstrated unwavering dedication to duty over the last weeks working many hours as we increased our operational tempo, and those efforts delivered. Today was also an indication, our efforts have paid off. I say well done, stay focused, be vigilant and remember Citizen Safety is priority one.”
Commissioner Queeley also reiterated his call for members of the public to provide the police with any information regarding crime and criminal activity.
“I encourage our citizens to join with us. I encourage you to come forward and share any information you may have with regards to crime and criminal activity. Citizens can do so by calling any police station, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or by using the SKN Crime Reporter App on a Smartphone. Together we will make a difference.”
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