BASSETERRE, St Kitts – The Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force is reporting success on a Thursday sting operation in which one man was killed and they seized a boat carrying compressed marijuana worth more than EC$900 000.
The announcement was made at a briefing attended by Acting Commissioner of Police Stafford Liburd, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with responsibility for crime Ian Queeley and ACP with responsibility for operations Vaughn Henderson.
Police were carrying out an intelligence-led operation that took them to the Conaree Beach. They intercepted a vessel with four bales of compressed marijuana weighing 124
“Our officers observed a pick-up truck on the beach and a speed boat approaching the shore. Upon the arrival, the two occupants of the vessel were challenged. One occupant opened fire upon our officers. Our officers, in defence returned fire, and one of the occupants was fatally wounded,” Liburd said.
The High Commanded apologised for the loss of life.
“Technicians of the Forensic Services Unit processed the scene and items of value were collected and taken into custody for further analysis,” he added.
He said that a gun with ammunition was discovered.
“Members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard assisted in the search and the dive team recovered from the ocean one loaded .38 pistol with a magazine containing four rounds of ammunition.
The Acting Police Chief said “the other occupant, as well as two locals, has been taken into custody and they are assisting the police with its investigation”.
He also said both male occupants of the vessel appeared to be non-nationals and the vessel is suspected to have come from a neighbouring island.
Liburd said Acting Minister of National Security Ian “Patches” Liburd has been in contact with Dr Timothy Harris Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, who is off island on official government business.
The Government has pledged to do everything in its power to root out criminal behaviour and prosecute to the fullest extent those who violate the laws of the federation. (PR)
