An American woman was arrested at St Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered suspected firearm magazines concealed in her luggage upon arrival from the United States.

According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, officers attached to the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South) responded to a report from the Customs and Excise Department on May 5 after the items were reportedly found during checks at the airport.

Police identified the woman as 52-year-old Shelly Ann Paul, an American national who had travelled from Atlanta. 

She was subsequently arrested.

Investigators later intercepted a vehicle at the Vieux Fort Free Zone driven by 51-year-old Lenny Hyacinth Noelien.

Police said officers discovered a pistol inside the vehicle for which Noelien reportedly produced a valid firearm licence. However, he was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the importation of firearm component parts without authorisation.

Authorities said follow-up searches were carried out on May 6 at properties in Beausejour and Cap Estate in Gros Islet linked to the accused.

During those searches, officers reportedly found a revolver and additional firearm components that were not authorised under Noelien’s firearm licence.

Both Paul and Noelien were formally charged on May 7 with multiple firearm-related offences.

Police said Paul was granted bail in the sum of EC$47,000, while Noelien was granted bail of EC$65,000.