95kg cocaine haul in Canouan; three detained pending evidence

Police have formally acknowledged the seizure of 95 kilograms of cocaine in Canouan, with Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey disclosing the bust at a Kingstown press conference on Saturday, more than a week after the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force first posted about the operation on social media on September 17.

Three individuals remain in custody assisting with enquiries, though no arrests or charges have been laid. Bailey explained the delay in formal charges, stating that "I cannot take someone before the court on mere suspicion. I have to have evidence, hard evidence." He assured the public that the seized cocaine would not reach circulation.

The commissioner provided no further details about the individuals questioned or circumstances surrounding the discovery. He did, however, emphasise that sufficient evidence must be compiled before prosecutors can proceed.

The cocaine seizure emerged during a broader police update centred on the response to gun violence. Bailey highlighted the vulnerability of national borders to firearms trafficking by air and sea, noting that the Coast Guard maintains patrols of territorial waters while police coordinate with the Regional Security System and other regional partners to disrupt smuggling networks.

Other recent weapons cases were also discussed. An AR-15 rifle and over 40 rounds of ammunition were recovered in Kingstown in September. In a separate matter, a 41-year-old machine operator from Ottley Hall received bail in connection with an AR-15 rifle and ammunition discovered in his possession in Kingstown on September 10.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Brenton Smith outlined ongoing enforcement measures, including increased mobile and foot patrols across Kingstown and surrounding districts, random searches, and enhanced coordination between police units. Smith called on residents to report suspicious activity and urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information that could alarm families or compromise active investigations.