BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE three individuals who were arrested during a sting operation at Conaree Beach last Thursday morning (Oct. 1) have been formally charged with drug-related offences.
SKNVibes spoke with Acting Commissioner of Police Stafford Liburd this afternoon (Oct. 4) and he confirmed that the three men, two nationals of St. Christopher and Nevis and one non-national, were charged with offences related to the importation of a controlled substance.
A particular name – that of the son of a prominent son of the soil - has been floating about as one of the individuals who was taken into custody during the sting operation.
Questioned about whether or not that individual was indeed arrested and or charged, Liburd neither confirmed nor denied but indicated that a press release would bear the names of the individuals and the charges preferred against them.
The arrest of the three individuals came after police officers were at Conaree Beach on the morning in question and observed a pickup truck in the area and a vessel approaching via the ocean.
Police have indicated that when the boat arrived, the two men onboard were “challenged” and one responded by opening gunfire on the officers. The officers reportedly returned fire and killed one of the men in the process.
As was explained by the hierarchy of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the operation also led to the seizure of 124 pounds of compressed marijuana that has a street value of EC$930,000.
The other man on the boat and the two nationals from the pickup truck were taken into police custody.
SKNVibes understands that the deceased is a national of Dominica but was residing in Antigua.
And according to the Acting COP, the next-of-kin of the deceased has been informed. He however indicated that an autopsy is yet to be performed.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
