The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines says it is awaiting further information from the United States following reports of an airstrike on a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the country’s territorial waters between February 13 and 16.

Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security St Clair Leacock both indicated during separate media engagements on February 19 that they had not received official confirmation from US authorities regarding the reported strike.

Speaking on NBC Radio, Friday described the situation as “very worrying,” noting that St Vincent and the Grenadines’ maritime space is heavily used by locals and residents of neighbouring islands for trade, travel, schooling and family visits.

“We have no real official confirmation of this from any source, other than that there was a strike. There were casualties, and I’ve heard from reports and from a statement made by the Prime Minister of St Lucia that three St Lucia nationals died in that incident,” Friday said.

He added that while local police and the Commissioner had provided reports, much of the information available so far remains unofficial.

Leacock said the government was disappointed that it had not received formal communication from the United States but intends to engage Washington through diplomatic channels.

He cautioned that St Vincent and the Grenadines must be measured in its response, warning of potential consequences.

He pointed to the country’s economic and social ties with the United States, including remittances, travel, visa access and correspondent banking relationships, noting that even minor restrictions could significantly impact citizens.

Addressing the broader issue of narcotics trafficking, Leacock acknowledged that drug smuggling remains a concern.

He revealed a the strike resulted in a massive spill of cocaine onto Vincentian shores. Authorities estimate the market value of the drugs at over $500 million.

Several Vincentians, including individuals from Leacock’s own constituency, have been arrested in connection with the fallout.

He also noted that whenever drugs wash ashore in St Vincent and the Grenadines, there is often a corresponding spike in criminal activity.