St Kitts and Nevis: District B turns up heat with increased patrols and searches

Residents in Police District B – which covers westward from West Farms and ending in Lodge Village – have noticed an increase in police patrols and other ongoing police operations.

Police Superintendent Lionel Moore, head of the district, indicated that there is an increase in the tempo of the district with regards to ensuring citizen safety.

“With the assistance of my inspectors, Travis Rogers and John Bergan, the officers assigned to the District have been conducting an increasing number of citizen safety operations,” he said.

"These operations include the execution of search warrants on properties suspected of being used for criminal enterprise, increased vehicular check points on primary and secondary roads in the district, searches of abandoned properties and lots, and stop and searches.”

Officers keeping vigilant

Moore highlighted operations on 8 June as an example of the additional patrols.

On that day, 16 search warrants were executed leading to five arrests for marijuana-related crimes and the discovery of crack cocaine. Officers also seized a pellet gun, a round of ammunition and a motor scooter with an illegal licence plate.

Police searched 14 abandoned houses, 13 lots and a number of derelict vehicles.

"All of this was done in the space of the early morning hours, and we [District B] officers couldn't have done it alone, so I must register my appreciation to the Special Services Unit, the Anti-Drug Unit, the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, the police K-9 teams and the K-9 teams from Her Majesty's Customs Service,” Superintendent Moore said.

“It is this inter-force and external collaboration that will yield results.

“Everyday will not be a big haul day, but we will be vigilant, and keep up the heat."