A comprehensive training workshop on detecting illicit firearms trafficking has successfully concluded in St. Lucia. Held from November 5-7, 2024, and organized by the Firearms Trafficking Section’s Global Firearms Programme of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the financial support of the Government of Germany, the workshop brought together 18 customs , law enforcement, and crime prevention experts from Saint Lucia to strengthen the region’s capacity to detect and prevent the illegal flow of firearms—a critical issue linked to rising violence, gang activity, and organized crime.
The training addressed key objectives of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap by enhancing participants' abilities to profile, detect, and investigate illicit firearms trafficking. With advanced, hands-on exercises and case studies, the workshop empowered regional officers with cutting-edge skills and techniques in identifying high-risk scenarios, applying X-ray technology, and recognizing behavioural cues associated with firearms smuggling.
Experts highlighted emerging trafficking tactics—such as exploiting postal systems and containerized shipping routes—emphasizing the need for adaptable detection strategies. Participants also explored the role of customs agencies in intercepting firearms at entry points, learning from successful examples in St. Lucia and beyond.
The workshop underscored the importance of a united regional response and cooperation across border management and law enforcement agencies to counter the scourge of illicit firearms and related violence and organized crime in the Caribbean. Participants expressed their commitment to applying these enhanced capabilities in their daily operations and to fostering greater information-sharing to strengthen Caribbean security.
This workshop comes as the region grapples with the impact of illicit trafficking, particularly in countries like St. Lucia, where firearms are linked to high rates of homicides and gang violence. By building national capacity and sharing best practices, the training equips officers to better protect Caribbean communities and disrupt firearms trafficking networks.
Minister of Home Affairs in Saint Lucia, Honourable Jeremie Norbert, highlighted the commitment of Sanit Lucia to combat firearms related crimes.
