Fisherman pleads guilty to possession of 22.9lbs of cocaine

A significant drug enforcement operation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has resulted in criminal proceedings against two individuals following the seizure of substantial narcotics. Sebastian Audain, a 36-year-old fisherman from Lowmans Bay known as “Bush,” has entered a guilty plea for possession and trafficking of 22.9 pounds of cocaine confiscated by authorities in West Kingstown. Meanwhile, his co-defendant Alvin Cyrus, also 36 and from Largo Height, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The successful interdiction emerged from a coordinated effort involving multiple specialized police units, including Narcotics, Rapid Response, and Special Services teams. While authorities have not disclosed the exact community within the constituency where the drugs were discovered, they emphasized the operational significance of the seizure.

Audain remains in custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for Thursday at the Layou Magistrate Court. Cyrus has been granted bail set at EC$30,000 and is required to reappear before the Serious Offences Court on March 2 for further proceedings.

In an official statement, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force highlighted the importance of inter-departmental cooperation in combating drug trafficking. “The success of this undertaking highlights the value of specialized units moving in unison to address specific threats to our communities,” the statement read. “When these divisions align, they create an operational reach necessary to intercept illegal substances before they circulate further.”

Law enforcement officials emphasized that the presence of such substantial narcotics quantities in residential areas demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining community safety. The police force reaffirmed its commitment to persistent monitoring and intervention against organized drug activities, acknowledging the crucial role of public cooperation in these efforts.

Authorities have encouraged citizens with relevant information to contact Police Control at 457-1211 or the Public Relations and Complaints Department at 485-6891, assuring complete confidentiality for all tips provided.