Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 30, 2005): The Ministry of National Security continues to encourage all branches of the security forces and the populace to remain vigilant and to collaborate as much as possible to eradicate criminal elements within, and those attempting to infiltrate St. Kitts and Nevis.
The ministry has boosted collaboration within the various security agencies as of late a move that has yielded positive results. A spokesperson for the ministry cited a recent operation involving the Coast Guard and the Customs to highlight the continued success.
The official indicated that on May 20, at approximately 5:00 p.m. officers of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard boarded sailing yacht Intaka that was anchored at Ballast Bay.
Two citizens of the United States were onboard. When questioned, the Captain revealed that he arrived from Martinique and did not dock his vessel at a customs port. The vessel was escorted to the Coast Guard Base where it was detained by the Comptroller of Customs and searched by customs with the assistance of Coast Guard officials.
The Captain agreed to an out of court settlement and was fined $7,500.00 by the Comptroller of Customs for not causing or permitting his vessel to arrive at a customs port after arriving from a place outside St. Christopher and Nevis and for failing to notify the Comptroller of Customs of his arrival, contrary to the Customs (Control and Management) Act #4 of 1992.
The ministry official disclosed that the security forces continue to coordinate efforts and engage in information sharing. The spokesperson called on all segments of society to support these efforts and cooperate with the authorities whenever possible. |
