St. Kitts and Nevis Customs gets new weapon to curb importation of illicit drugs and guns

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Re-enforcing his government’s zero-tolerance to illegal importation of illicit drugs and ammunition into the twin-island Federation, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas officially declared open a new weapon in the fight against crime.

Dr. Douglas, also Minister of Finance, along with Nevis’ Junior Minister in the Ministry of Trade and Industry with responsibility for Consumer Affairs, Trade, Industry, Import and Export, Hon. Dwight Cozier, assisted Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janet Harris, in cutting the ribbon to declare open the Vehicle Inspection Facility at the Customs Department, Bird Rock.

Vehicles identified by the canine and suspected of carrying illegal contraband such as illegal drugs, illegal arms and illegal ammunition, will be taken to this facility, stripped and thoroughly searched said Prime Minister Douglas.

He said it was necessary to ensure that illegal drugs and guns do not enter the twin-island Federation.

Dr. Douglas said the opening of the facility places significant emphasis on the resolve of customs officers who have gone the extra mile to ensure that they operate with utmost professionalism and thoroughness that the country can be proud of their achievements.

“There has to be zero-tolerance being displayed to guns and ammunition and drugs in our country,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mr. Georid Belle told the Communications Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister (CUOPM) that the facility includes a ramp and a mechanic shop with all the necessary tools for dismantling vehicles.

“We have on staff two qualified mechanics with Guild certificates to undertake the necessary operation,” said Belle.