Man Charged After Assault-Style Rifle Recovered at Port Zante

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is actively investigating the discovery of a firearm and other suspicious items following an incident at Port Zante on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The incident began unfolding around 5:10 a.m. when members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force observed a black Toyota motorcar occupied by three males exhibiting suspicious behavior in the Half Moon area. Recognizing the potential threat, the Defence Force personnel discreetly trailed the vehicle to the rear of the Mau Pau Casino in Port Zante. As the soldiers approached, the occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, raising further suspicion.

A thorough search of the abandoned vehicle yielded significant findings. An AR-15 rifle, a high-powered weapon capable of inflicting substantial harm, was discovered along with a magazine containing twenty rounds of mixed calibre ammunition. This discovery underscored the potential danger posed by the fleeing individuals. In addition to the firearm and ammunition, a multicoloured backpack was recovered containing a variety of items that further heightened investigators’ concerns. Inside the backpack, authorities found an undisclosed amount of cash, a black mask commonly used for concealment, gloves, a pink Samsung cellular phone, and other personal effects. The combination of these items suggested the possibility of planned criminal activity.

Crime Scene Investigators meticulously processed the vehicle and all recovered items, including the firearm and ammunition, gathering forensic evidence to aid in the ongoing investigation. The recovered items were carefully documented and analyzed to identify potential links to other crimes and to build a case against the individuals involved. The forensic processing plays a crucial role in establishing the chain of custody and ensuring the admissibility of evidence in court. The meticulous collection and analysis of forensic evidence are essential for building a strong and credible case.

The investigation progressed over the following days, leading to a significant breakthrough. On June 10, 2025, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Mr. Raziq Persaud of Plum Tree, Phillips Village was apprehended at the Basseterre Police Station. Mr. Persaud’s arrest was based on two warrants related to the incident at Port Zante. He was subsequently formally charged with Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition, offences stemming from the May 31st incident. While the arrest of Mr. Persaud marked a significant step forward in the investigation, the search continues for the two other individuals who fled the scene.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring public safety and national security. The swift response by the Defence Force, the diligent investigation by the Police Force, and the subsequent arrest demonstrate the commitment to upholding the law and bringing those responsible for criminal activity to justice. The investigation into the Port Zante incident underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement personnel to protecting the community.

The Police Force recognizes the invaluable role that community participation plays in crime prevention and resolution. In this regard, they are urging members of the public who may possess any information related to the incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 662-1140. Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove crucial in piecing together the events of May 31st and identifying the remaining suspects. The cooperation of the public is essential in ensuring the safety and security of the community and in bringing all those responsible to justice.