In a significant demonstration of regional law enforcement cooperation, Dominican authorities have successfully repatriated a fugitive from Saint Lucia who was apprehended during a routine narcotics operation. Merkyle Cooper, a Saint Lucian national, was initially detained in October during ‘Operation Clean Street’ on cannabis possession charges and promptly paid a $1,100 fine.
During subsequent investigations, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) uncovered Cooper’s status as a wanted individual in Saint Lucia for serious criminal offenses. This discovery triggered immediate custodial measures while extradition procedures were coordinated between the two nations.
The collaborative effort culminated on January 22, 2026, when Cooper was formally transferred to Saint Lucian law enforcement officials to answer for his alleged crimes. The CDPF emphasized that this operation underscores their commitment to regional security partnerships and inter-jurisdictional justice.
In a strongly worded statement, Dominican police issued a clear warning to international criminal elements: “Dominica is not a hiding place. Anyone who commits crimes in other countries and believes they can come here to hide or evade justice will be tracked, arrested, and returned to face the law. There is no safe haven for criminals in Dominica.”
While officials have not disclosed the specific nature of Cooper’s alleged crimes in Saint Lucia, the case represents a successful implementation of regional security protocols between Caribbean Commonwealth nations.