A British national living in Saint Lucia has been fined EC$15,000 (US$5,550) after authorities discovered a rifle concealed inside a shipment at the Vieux Fort Seaport earlier this week.

David Charles Mulvany, who resides in Laborie, pleaded guilty to firearm-related charges when he appeared before the Second District Court on Friday.

The charges stem from a joint operation carried out on June 3 by the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South), the K-9 Unit, and the Customs and Excise Preventative Unit as part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal movement of weapons and other contraband.

During the operation, officers conducted searches at several courier companies and cargo facilities in the Vieux Fort district. While inspecting Shed 2 at the Vieux Fort Seaport, officers uncovered a rifle hidden within a shipment.

Police said the firearm was discovered in the presence of Mulvany, who was identified as the consignee of the package. He was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of a firearm without a valid licence and importation of a firearm without a valid licence.

When the matter came before the court on Friday, Mulvany admitted to both offences.

The court imposed a fine of EC$10,000 for possession of a firearm without a valid licence and a further EC$5,000 for importing the firearm without the required licence.

Magistrates ordered that the combined EC$15,000 fine be paid immediately. 

Failure to do so could result in a five-year prison sentence.