Damien Liburd Receives Sentence for Drug Importation

On January 27, 2025, Damien Liburd, a resident of Upper Cayon, St. Kitts, faced the consequences of his actions related to drug importation and customs violations. Magistrate Her Honour Mrs. Rhonda Nisbett-Browne, presiding over the District “A” Magistrate Court in Basseterre, St. Kitts, delivered the verdict and sentences after a collaborative investigation and prosecution by the St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise Department and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). Liburd was found guilty on four counts, each carrying specific penalties that underscored the gravity of his offenses against the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis. The case exemplifies the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintaining the integrity of the nation’s borders and combating the illicit drug trade.

The primary charge against Liburd was the importation of a controlled drug, a serious transgression with significant implications for public safety and national security. This offense carried the heaviest penalty, a fine of five thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars (ECD $5,000), with a four-month deadline for payment. Failure to meet this financial obligation would result in a one-year prison sentence, highlighting the severity of the crime and the court’s determination to deter similar activities. The imposition of a substantial fine, coupled with the threat of imprisonment, aimed not only to punish Liburd but also to send a strong message to potential offenders about the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking.

Compounding the drug importation charge were three additional offenses related to customs procedures and declaration practices. Liburd was found guilty of submitting a false customs declaration, a deliberate attempt to mislead authorities and circumvent regulations. For this deception, he was fined two thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars (ECD $2,000), payable within six months. Failure to pay within the stipulated timeframe would result in a six-month prison sentence. This penalty, while less severe than that for the drug importation charge, underscored the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with customs officials.

Furthermore, Liburd was charged with the importation of restricted goods not by restrictions and conditions. While the details of this charge were not explicitly outlined in the release, it indicates a violation of specific import regulations and procedures governing certain categories of goods. In this instance, the court opted for a caution, a less punitive measure that likely considered the specific circumstances of the offense. While not as severe as a fine or imprisonment, the caution served as a formal reprimand and a warning against future violations of import regulations.

The final charge against Liburd involved the intent to deceive a customs officer, a deliberate act of misrepresentation designed to evade proper scrutiny and compliance with customs laws. This offense mirrored the false customs declaration charge and carried the same penalty: a fine of two thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars (ECD $2,000) payable within six months, with a default six-month prison sentence if the fine remained unpaid. The repetition of this penalty emphasized the gravity of attempting to obstruct customs officials in the performance of their duties and reinforced the importance of maintaining the integrity of customs processes.

The sentencing of Damien Liburd serves as a case study in the enforcement of drug and customs laws in St. Kitts and Nevis. The collaborative efforts of the Customs and Excise Department and the RSCNPF ensured a comprehensive investigation and prosecution, leading to convictions on all four counts. The range of penalties, from substantial fines to the possibility of imprisonment, reflected the severity of the offenses and the court’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The case also highlights the crucial role of customs officials in safeguarding national borders, preventing the entry of illicit substances, and ensuring compliance with import regulations. The outcomes of this case send a clear message to individuals contemplating similar activities: the consequences of violating drug and customs laws in St. Kitts and Nevis are significant and will be met with the full force of the law.