Female Suspect Indicted for Introduction of Contraband into Correctional Facility

Combating Illicit Activities: A Summary of Recent Law Enforcement Actions in St. Kitts and Nevis

This report summarizes recent law enforcement activities in St. Kitts and Nevis, focusing on efforts to curb the flow of contraband into prisons and combat drug-related offenses. These actions underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law. The cases detailed below highlight the various facets of these efforts, ranging from intercepting individuals attempting to smuggle illicit substances into correctional facilities to apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking. Each case illustrates the specific charges, circumstances surrounding the arrests, and legal proceedings initiated against the accused.

On March 7th, 2025, Meldesha Woods of Stapleton Village, St. Kitts, was apprehended for attempting to convey contraband into His Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre. The contraband was initially identified as vegetable matter and later confirmed to be cannabis and tobacco. Ms. Woods was formally charged the following day, March 8th, at the Basseterre Police Station. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing the entry of prohibited items into correctional facilities, which can compromise security, fuel illicit activities within the prison walls, and undermine rehabilitation efforts.

In a separate incident, law enforcement agencies conducted a targeted operation against suspected drug trafficking. On March 3rd, 2025, officers from the Anti-Narcotics and Special Services Units of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, along with soldiers from the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and officers from the St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise K-9 Unit, executed a search warrant at the premises of Leroy Liburd in Hermitage, Cayon, St. Kitts. During the search, a substantial quantity of vegetable material suspected to be cannabis was discovered. Subsequently, the material was confirmed to be cannabis. Both Leroy Liburd and Zadique Butler, who was present at the time of the search, were arrested and charged with Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply at the Basseterre Police Station. This operation demonstrates the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies in tackling drug-related crimes.

Further demonstrating the persistent efforts against drug trafficking, Miles Walters of Cotton Ground, Nevis, was also charged with Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply. This offense took place on March 4th, 2025, in Montpelier, Nevis. The charge stemmed from a search warrant executed at a residence in Montpelier by officers of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force. A quantity of vegetable material, later confirmed as cannabis, was found during the search. The Crime Scene Unit processed the scene and collected evidence. Mr. Walters, who was present at the scene, was taken into custody and subsequently charged at the Cotton Police Station. This case underscores the importance of inter-island cooperation in law enforcement operations.

Shifting focus to other criminal activities, Makeel Marryshaw of Shear Lane, Basseterre, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for the offense of Robbery. The robbery occurred on March 5th, 2022, on Princes Street, Basseterre. Mr. Marryshaw was charged on April 5th, 2022, and remanded to prison. He pleaded guilty to the charge on January 21st, 2025, and received his sentence on March 6th, 2025, from His Lordship Justice Iain Morley, KC, at the High Court in Basseterre. The sentencing guidelines stipulate that time spent on remand will be deducted from his overall sentence.

These cases represent a snapshot of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in St. Kitts and Nevis to address various criminal activities, from attempting to smuggle contraband into prisons to tackling drug trafficking and addressing violent crimes like robbery. The collaborative approach involving different agencies, such as the police force, defence force, customs and excise, and the judiciary, is crucial in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of the community. The successful prosecution and sentencing of individuals involved in these crimes serve as a deterrent and reinforce the commitment to upholding justice and accountability.

The concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies demonstrate a proactive approach to combating crime and maintaining public safety. The apprehension of individuals involved in drug-related offenses, attempts to smuggle contraband into prison, and the successful prosecution of violent crimes highlight the commitment to upholding the rule of law in St. Kitts and Nevis. The collaborative nature of these operations, involving various agencies, emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation in effectively addressing these complex challenges. The dedication to investigating, apprehending, and prosecuting offenders serves as a deterrent and underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens. These actions are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the justice system and fostering public trust in law enforcement.