Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Davidson Valarie disclosed that the police in Dominica have requested assistance from the authorities of the United States in the importation of a number of firearms and ammunition into Dominica.
On Thursday, February 3, 2022, a consignment of goods was intercepted during a routine check at the Woodbridge Bay Port in Fond Cole by Customs officers.
According to ACP Valerie, on closer inspection, a number of firearms and ammunition were discovered in containers of Folgers Coffee, Nesquik Chocolate powder, pink lemonade powder, and also in an IQ Bluetooth Speaker box.
“A total of fifteen (15) firearms, 12 magazines, and 963 rounds of ammunition were seized. The firearms and ammunitions are all in police custody while they (police) and Customs work together in carrying out further investigations into the matter,” he said.
“It was very interesting to note, the level that the perpetrators would go to conceal illegal goods and disguise their criminal acts. One man has since been arrested and is presently assisting the police and Customs in their investigations into the matter,” Valerie stated.
“A request for assistance into the importation of the firearms and ammunition into Dominica has been made to the authorities of the United States.”
Also speaking on the matter was Comptroller of Customs Roderick Dechamp, who disclosed that Customs are mandated to conduct inbound and outbound enforcement operations to help secure Dominica’s borders from the illegal trafficking of goods and people.
“This weapon seizure demonstrates that task and constitutes an outstanding job by our officers and this seizure denied the intended manipulators the use of such weapons to undertake criminal activities in our country,” Dechamp stated.
“The Customs Division continues to work closely with the Dominica Air & Seaport authorities (DASPA) as well with sister law enforcement agencies locally, regionally, and internationally to ensure that we can collaboratively work together in curbing the trafficking of illegal weapons and drugs across our borders.”
“I want to commend my staff, who continue to work under difficult circumstances as they balance the need to facilitate the need for legitimate trade while ensuring the Division can interdict individuals determined to circumvent our laws,” he remarked.
He also highlighted what he described as “the very close working relationship between the Division and the police.”
“Over the last two years, we have worked tirelessly in partnership with the police to protect our national borders with much success in intercepting, drugs, ammunition, and large sums of money,” Dechamp posited.
The Customers Division he says continues to look at ways to reform and modernize its operations especially as it relates to cargo and passenger examination.
“In this regard, the Customs Division has introduced several new units, conducted training for our staff and strengthen cooperation with our border agency partners all to fortify our ability to curb instances of illegal activities at our borders,” he said.
He explained that in its modernization efforts, the Customs Division has looked at ways to increase the use of information technology to assist them in their goals.
“The upgrade to our cargo management software along with the none intrusive baggage and cargo examination equipment at our ports are two critical areas where we have made tremendous progress,” Dechamp stated.
He thanked and commended the Government of Dominica for the “none intrusive baggage and cargo examination equipment’s at our ports” and also other partners involved.
“The Customs Division is determined to not only carry out its mandate to collect the revenue but to safeguard the society and will continue to work diligently with our stakeholders to mitigate the harm that such illegal activities will have on our beloved country,” he said.
“The Customs Division is also appealing to the general public to trust our good office in divulging any information with regards to the importation and exportation of any such illegal items, rewards can be offered.”