BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force says it remains vigilant as more individuals continue to be charged in connection with cocaine-related offences.
In the most recent case, Randolph Welsh of Lower Monkey Hill has been charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply, and Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply.
The offences were allegedly committed on August 13 in Lower Monkey Hill. Welsh was formally charged on August 15 at the Basseterre Police Station.
In recent months, concerns have grown that cocaine is circulating more freely across the country, with police reporting several arrests tied to the illegal drug.
SKNVibes News asked to law enforcement to respond to several questions regarding the ongoing discovery of cocaine.
Does the police force suspect that Cocaine is being manufactured in the Federation?
Cocaine is derived exclusively from the coca plant. The coca plant does not grow in St. Kitts and Nevis or anywhere in the Caribbean. As such, cocaine cannot be manufactured locally. All cocaine encountered here is imported as a finished product.
Does the police suspect that there is a market for the drug?
Like all illicit substances, cocaine does have a demand market. While cocaine use exists, it is not the predominant driver of our drug-related cases. Its use in St. Kitts and Nevis is significantly smaller in scale compared to substances such as marijuana and alcohol, which remain the most widely abused.
Does the police believe that the Federation is becoming a TRANSHIPMENT point for Cocaine?
Due to its geographic location, the wider Caribbean region faces a constant risk of being exploited by international drug trafficking networks. St. Kitts and Nevis is no exception. The RSCNPF maintains vigilance against this threat and continuously works closely with regional and global partners to intercept both shipments intended for local distribution and those intended for transhipment.
Every seizure represents a disruption of these illicit routes and reaffirms our commitment to protecting our Federation from the harms associated with the global drug trade.
Police said they will continue using intelligence-led strategies to detect, deter, and disrupt narcotics trafficking, while also working to protect communities from the violence, corruption, and social harm linked to the international drug trade.
