BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Stafford Liburd and Comptroller of Customs Mr. Rodney Harris both co-chaired a meeting comprising of senior officers from the Police and Customs Departments. The meeting was scheduled as part of a commitment by the High Command of the Police Force to improve the working relationship with the Customs Department thereby strengthening both departments’ ability to interdict, and prosecute those who violate or laws.
Sgt. Travis Rogers, Head of the Anti-Narcotics Unit made a presentation to the meeting. His presentation included a display of the types and numbers of high powered weapons associated with a particular gang in St. Kitts that are finding their way on our streets, as well as the various types of illegal drugs which are in circulation. He also demonstrated ways in which weapons can be concealed to evade detection.
ACP Joseph Liburd, in his presentation expressed the need for senior level officers from both organizations to meet at least monthly to discuss matters relative to the efficient and effective functioning of both agencies’ law enforcement efforts. He said that setting the example from the senior level will drive home the importance of collaboration and encourage junior ranks at the operational level to do likewise. This he said, will improve the information sharing mechanisms that are available and will redound to greater operational effectiveness.
Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Craig Belle and Assistant Comptroller, Mr. Terry Adams also made presentations and reiterated the need for Customs to be recognized as a law enforcement agency and as the agency with responsibility for border security in the Federation. Mr. Belle said that sharing the identity on known gang members and their associates with Customs will assist the department in profiling and targeting these persons at the ports of entry.
Supt. Robert Liburd expressed the need for collaboration in the prosecution of offenders of the firearms act, with a view to determining whether or not breaches under the Customs Act have been committed. He also highlighted the need for reform of the laws, to place responsibility on persons found with illegal firearms, to account for their importation.
The issue of the use and importation of camouflage clothing was also discussed and recommendations were made re-visit the law with a view to having tighter control on their use and importation by persons other than members of the security forces.
The meeting ended with commitments from both agencies to improve cooperation at all levels to arrest the illegal importation of firearms and illegal drugs in the Federation.
