Saint Lucia’s emerging cannabis sector is demanding immediate government action on marijuana decriminalization following a significant police operation in Laborie that resulted in the destruction of 1,368 cannabis plants and the arrest of two individuals. The enforcement activity has sparked renewed tensions between law enforcement and agricultural advocates who believe the island is falling behind regional counterparts in cannabis reform.
Andre Pancho de Caires, Interim President of the Herbal Cooperative, expressed profound frustration with the legislative delays that continue to leave cannabis farmers in legal limbo. The recent police operation targeted a residence in Black Bay, Laborie, where officers confiscated 23.2 pounds of suspected cannabis valued at approximately $10,440, along with $765 in cash believed to be connected to drug activities.
The incident generated substantial social media backlash, with numerous commentators questioning the enforcement approach given global trends toward legalization. De Caires publicly challenged police leadership, demanding to know who authorized the “mass destruction of farms” despite government rhetoric supporting cannabis reform.
The herbal advocate revealed that a decriminalization bill was reportedly completed as early as August 2025 under former Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte’s leadership but has yet to be presented to Parliament. De Caires emphasized that this represents a broken campaign promise from the current administration, which has remained silent on the legislation’s status.
De Caires recounted personal assurances from Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre during previous administrations regarding full legalization intentions. He noted the establishment of the Regulatory Services Agency and Herbal Cooperative as evidence of institutional preparations for a regulated cannabis industry.
The interim president has now directed his appeal to current Commerce Minister Ernest Hilaire, demanding a timeline for legislative action. However, law enforcement officials maintain they will continue enforcement operations until formal legal changes occur. Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas stated unequivocally that cannabis cultivation remains illegal, and police will continue to combat “illegal possession, cultivation, trafficking, transporting, and selling” until laws are formally amended.