PM Allen Chastanet
Government is working with the police to beef up security at all major port of entries, specifically between Martinique and Saint Lucia, to protect the island from the threat of increased drug trafficking.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said Saint Lucia is ‘unfortunately’ paying the penalty for the ease in which people are trafficking drugs and this must come to an end.
His comments comes in light of a recent drug bust at the Hewenorra International Airport on Sunday, where cocaine was detected in coconuts moments before it was loaded onto a flight destined for the United Kingdom.
Chastanet said, “We have to make it more difficult for people involved in drug trafficking, to be able to do business in this region…We have to recognise that Saint Lucia is a target.”
The prime minister said the island is not only a target because of major international flights coming here, but predominantly because of Saint Lucia’s close proximity to Martinique.
“Once they get the drugs into Martinique, it is much easier to get it into Europe,” Chastanet explained.
Meanwhile, commenting on the recent bust, Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph said he is pleased that the cocaine was intercepted before leaving Saint Lucia.
Joseph told the media on Tuesday that he is of the strong opinion that cocaine traffickers are targeting agriculture produce to conduct their illegal business, making it difficult for farmers.
“You would understand the negative impact that would have if it left our shores. We were able to intercept it at Vieux Fort and we will see what can be done…we have to remain vigilant,” Joseph said.
The police is yet to issue a formal statement on the recent cocaine bust.
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