The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating participation of minors in illicit gambling operations and other morally questionable behaviors. This alert follows a concerning incident documented on March 19, 2026, when officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Task Force intercepted suspicious activities during their routine patrols in St. John’s metropolitan area.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., law enforcement personnel responded to reports of unusual gatherings at the East Bus Station Terminal. Upon arrival, they discovered a cohort of young males, allegedly clad in school uniforms, actively participating in gambling activities beneath a station shed. The group promptly dispersed on foot upon detecting police presence, abandoning personal belongings in their haste to evacuate the premises.
Subsequent forensic examination of the scene yielded two abandoned school backpacks, currently retained as evidence pending comprehensive investigation. The Police Administration has characterized this episode as profoundly troubling, emphasizing the dual implications of legal infringement and potential developmental harm to youth exposed to such environments.
In response to this growing societal challenge, authorities are implementing enhanced surveillance protocols, particularly targeting zones frequented by adolescents during post-academic hours. The police force has issued a clarion call to parents, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts in monitoring youth activities and providing constructive guidance.
Public cooperation is deemed instrumental in combating this phenomenon. Citizens possessing relevant information are urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or utilize the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). Law enforcement officials reaffirm their commitment to maintaining vigilant patrols and proactively addressing all manifestations of unlawful conduct among juvenile populations.