In a significant early morning operation on Thursday, November 20, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force successfully recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition during a routine stop and search in La Croix Mingot. The operation, conducted around 1:30 a.m., involved officers from the Special Services Unit in Castries who intercepted a vehicle with two occupants. The search yielded a Black Glock 19 handgun and 11 rounds of ammunition. The two individuals, identified as 34-year-old Melvin Montoute from St. Lawrence Street, Anse La Raye, and 27-year-old Shaquille De Leon from Marigot, were promptly taken into custody. Both men were formally charged with ‘Possession of a Firearm’ and ‘Possession of Ammunition.’ The following day, November 21, the First District Court granted Montoute and De Leon bail. Montoute was required to post $25,000 cash or provide a suitable surety for the firearm charge, while De Leon faced a $10,000 cash or surety requirement for the ammunition charge. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Saint Lucia law enforcement to combat illegal arms possession and enhance public safety.