On July 16, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., officers from the GNFU, working alongside the Customs and Excise Department, executed a controlled operation at Shed 6 of the Port Castries Seaport. The operation targeted a shipping barrel suspected of containing illegal substances.
During the inspection, Constable No. 4 Yannick Leon, a Port Police officer, reportedly presented a fraudulent Letter of Authorization in an attempt to clear the barrel on behalf of another individual. A detailed search of the barrel led to the discovery of nineteen sealed metal cans. Eighteen of the cans were found to contain fourteen packs of cannabis resin (hashish) each, while the remaining can held four packs.
In total, authorities seized 266 packs of cannabis resin, weighing approximately 26.8 kilograms (26,800 grams), with an estimated street value of EC$1.34 million.
Leon was arrested at the scene and detained at the Centralized Community Safety Centre before being released pending further investigations.
Subsequent inquiries by the GNFU included extensive evidence gathering, forensic testing, and collaboration with partner agencies. Based on the evidence compiled, the suspect was re-arrested on October 27, 2025, and formally charged two days later.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Leon was charged with:
- Uttering a false document, contrary to Section 263 of the Criminal Code;
- Forgery, contrary to Section 262(d) of the Criminal Code;
- Fraudulent evasion, contrary to Section 116 of the Customs Act;
- Importation of a controlled drug, contrary to Section 5(3) of the Drug Prevention and Misuse Act; and
- Possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, contrary to the same Act.
He appeared before the First District Court, where he was remanded in custody until December 9, 2025.
Authorities have described the case as a testament to the importance of sustained investigative work and cooperation between agencies. The successful interdiction, they noted, represents a major disruption to the operations of organized criminal networks and the regional narcotics trade.
