BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- Concerns are growing over the increasing number of drug-related incidents in the Federation, raising questions about whether the area is gradually becoming a transshipment hub for cocaine.
In recent months, large shipments of the drug have been discovered on vessels, and smaller quantities have been found in abandoned properties and on individuals.
Amid these concerns, SKNVibes News asked the police to address the issue. Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations, Travis Rogers, stated that there is no evidence indicating that the Federation is becoming a transshipment point.
“I am not seeing that St. Kitts is slowly becoming a transhipment point at this time,” he asserted, emphasizing that his statement is based on the evidence currently available.
However, law enforcement sources informed SKNVibes News that there is growing suspicion that this might be the case, as there is an increasing market for the drug within certain segments of society.
Recently, several vessels have docked in the Federation carrying varying amounts of the illegal substance, including one in New Guinea. Inspector Rogers revealed that in this case, the drugs were successfully delivered to their intended destination.
"The other portion was destined for other places. That was delivered, we were able to seize it, and that was supposed to be taken to other places…That[‘s] from St. Vincent, that was not washed ashore,” Rogers explained.
Further elaborating on the various discoveries, Inspector Rogers confirmed that one instance involved cocaine found on a yacht in New Guinea, and another involved a cargo vessel bringing goods to St. Kitts.
“Yes, that cocaine again was not destined for St. Kitts,” he added.
On October 4, 2022, the police conducted a search of the Motor Vessel Elizabeth C., registered in Trinidad and Tobago with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). During the search, they discovered 800 kilos of cocaine.
"But because of working closely with other agencies around the region, which is critical and important, we were able to get that necessary information and conduct a search, and we were successful in doing so," added Rogers.
