Police have confirmed that firearms went missing at a police station last weekend, but provided no further details.
Police Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte, who initially did not have the information, has confirmed that the incident took place – after he conducted further investigations.
“There is presently an ongoing criminal investigation concerning missing firearms at the Anse La Raye Police Station,” Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).
“The matter is being handled by the Internal Affairs Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force,” he added.
Hippolyte could not provide any further information at this time.
Several law enforcement sources contacted SNO over the weekend and reported that three occupational firearms disappeared from the Anse La Raye Police Station under the supervision of a corporal.
The homes of police officers were searched but nothing was found, the sources further alleged.
“They remain at the station and get handed over from one shift to the other,” one of the sources told SNO.
Initially, efforts to get this information verified had proven futile.
SNO contacted the Anse La Raye Police Station and was told by an officer to contact the police press office.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime and Intelligence, Milton Desir, also directed SNO to the press office.
However, when contacted, Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte, said he had no information at this time, and he will get back to us. Several minutes later after publication of the story, Hippolyte was able to get the information confirmed.