US embassy conducts search-and-seizure training in St Vincent

The US embassy, through its Military Liaison Office, has conducted training with the St Vincent Coast Guard on vessel boarding as well as search-and-seizure techniques.

US Marine Forces South and the St Vincent Coast Guard joined forces to stage the professional exchange, which shared strategies and policies to monitor and control illicit trafficking.

The goal was to have forces readily available to deploy and conduct proper search-and-seizure operations, as well as gather and maintain evidence leading to trafficking prosecutions.

Subjects covered during the exchange included proper search-and-seizure procedures, suspect detention, locating, handling, and transferring evidence to local authorities, crime scene investigating, and incident response.

The training was intended to enhance military skills and interoperability between the United States and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Deterring illegal trafficking in St Vincent and throughout the Eastern Caribbean is a top priority for us,” said Linda Taglialatela, US ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS.

“One of the best ways to accomplish that is by partnering together to share expertise and ensure that we have the capability to respond to scenarios in concert with our security partners around the region.”