Two people have been charged with multiple firearm-related offences after authorities intercepted suspected firearm components at Hewanorra International Airport and later uncovered additional weapons and parts during searches in the north of the island.
Police said in a statement on Saturday that a 52-year-old American national, Shelly Ann Paul, and 51-year-old Lenny Hyacinth Noelien were formally charged on May 7 following an investigation by the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South).
Paul was subsequently granted bail in the sum of $47 000, while Noelien was granted bail of $65 000.
According to police, the investigation began on May 5 after officers responded to a report from the Customs and Excise Department at Hewanorra International Airport, where Paul was allegedly found with two suspected firearm magazines concealed in her luggage after arriving from Atlanta. She was arrested.
Further investigations led officers to intercept a vehicle driven by Noelien at the Vieux Fort Free Zone. Police said a pistol was discovered in the vehicle, but he produced a valid firearm licence. However, Noelien was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the unauthorised importation of firearm component parts.
The following day, officers carried out coordinated searches at Noelien’s residence in Beausejour, Gros Islet, and at Paul’s residence in Cap Estate, Gros Islet.
During those searches, police said they recovered a revolver and additional firearm components that were not authorised under Noelien’s firearm licence.
Paul and Noelien were charged with three counts of possession of firearm component parts, importation of firearm component parts, aiding and abetting, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
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