A cross-district law enforcement operation in Saint Lucia has resulted in multiple firearm-related charges against two people, following a seizure of illegal gun components at a major international airport and subsequent raids on two residential properties.
In an official public statement released Saturday, local police confirmed that 52-year-old U.S. citizen Shelly Ann Paul and 51-year-old local resident Lenny Hyacinth Noelien were formally arraigned on multiple charges on May 7. The case is the product of a targeted investigation led by the island’s Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South).
The investigation traces back to May 5, when customs officials at Hewanorra International Airport alerted police to suspicious items in incoming luggage. Paul, who had just arrived on a flight from Atlanta, was found to have two suspected unregistered firearm magazines hidden in her baggage, and was taken into custody immediately at the airport.
As detectives expanded their probe, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle operated by Noelien at the Vieux Fort Free Zone. During a search of the vehicle, investigators found a loaded pistol. While Noelien presented a valid license for that specific weapon, officers still arrested him on suspicion of helping Paul facilitate the unauthorized importation of gun components.
The next day, a coordinated search operation was launched at two properties located in Gros Islet, a district in the northern part of the island: Noelien’s home in Beausejour and Paul’s residence in nearby Cap Estate. During these searches, police uncovered an unlicensed revolver and a cache of additional unauthorized firearm parts that were not covered by Noelien’s existing license.
Following the completion of evidence gathering, both suspects were charged with six total offenses across two people: three counts each of possession of unauthorized firearm components, importation of restricted firearm components, aiding and abetting illegal firearms activity, unlicensed possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition. Following their court appearances, Paul was released on bail set at $47,000, while Noelien was granted bail at $65,000. The case is now set to move through the Saint Lucian judicial system in coming months.