AR-15 Rifle Recovered, Suspect Apprehended Following Port Zante Incident.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is actively investigating the discovery of a high-powered firearm and other suspicious items following a pre-dawn incident at Port Zante on Saturday, May 31, 2024. The incident unfolded around 5:10 a.m. when members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, conducting routine patrols, observed a black Toyota motorcar with three male occupants behaving suspiciously in the Half Moon area. The soldiers discreetly trailed the vehicle to the rear of the Mau Pau Casino at Port Zante. As the soldiers approached, the occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, triggering a search of the abandoned car.

The search of the vehicle yielded an AR-15 rifle and a magazine containing twenty rounds of mixed-calibre ammunition. Further investigation revealed a multicoloured backpack containing a mix of items: cash, a black mask, gloves, a pink Samsung cellular phone, and other personal belongings. The discovery of the firearm, ammunition, and other suspicious items like the mask and gloves immediately raised concerns about potential criminal activity. Crime Scene Investigators meticulously processed the vehicle and all recovered items, including the firearm and ammunition, gathering forensic evidence for the ongoing investigation.

Following investigative efforts, law enforcement made a significant breakthrough in the case. On June 10, 2024, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Mr. Raziq Persaud of Plum Tree, Phillips Village was arrested at the Basseterre Police Station in connection with the May 31 incident. Persaud was subsequently formally charged with two offences: Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition. These charges directly relate to the firearm and ammunition recovered from the abandoned vehicle at Port Zante. While Persaud’s arrest marks a key development, the investigation remains active.

The recovery of the AR-15 rifle, a weapon designed for military use with high capacity and rapid firing capabilities, raises serious concerns within the context of public safety and national security. The presence of mixed-calibre ammunition further complicates the situation, suggesting potential involvement in multiple criminal activities or a lack of specific targeting plans. The discovery of the mask and gloves points towards a deliberate attempt to conceal identity and avoid leaving forensic traces, indicating premeditation and potentially more serious intentions.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community and is actively pursuing all leads in this case. They are urging anyone with information related to the incident, the recovered items, or the individuals involved to contact the Criminal Investigations Department. Public cooperation is vital in piecing together the events leading up to the abandonment of the vehicle and the potential criminal activities associated with the recovered items. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illegal firearm possession and potential threats to public safety.

While the arrest of Mr. Persaud represents a significant step forward, the investigation continues. Authorities are working diligently to determine the source of the firearm, the intended use of the weapon and other recovered items, and whether other individuals were involved in the incident. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to thoroughly investigating this matter and holding those responsible accountable. The force also emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens.