CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – French and St. Lucian security officials have agreed on new initiatives aimed at deepening their cooperation in the fight against crime, including drug trafficking.
“This agreement underscores the mutual trust and shared determination of both countries to confront drug and arms trafficking, threats that pose serious risks to the security and stability of their territories,” according to the joint statement issued following the two-day ninth meeting of the Joint Security Commission between France and St. Lucia.
The statement said that an agreement was reached to “deepen cooperation between security forces in the fight against drug trafficking through intelligence sharing and joint training initiatives.
“To support this, a St. Lucian police officer will be assigned to the Consulate General of St. Lucia in Fort-de-France in early 2026,” the statement said, adding that agreement was also reached to “combat cross-border crime more effectively by enhancing exchanges between judicial authorities, particularly in matters of extradition and the seizure of criminal assets”.
There was also agreement to strengthen maritime security by coordinating the radar detection systems of both countries and enhancing cooperation between the customs departments, particularly in the inspection of suspect vessels.
The statement said that the two sides agreed to “fully implement the 2006 bilateral agreement on the readmission of persons in irregular situations, while taking humanitarian considerations into account, particularly for hospitalized patients.
“Both French and St. Lucian authorities welcomed the significant progress represented by the preliminary approval of a bilateral agreement on the pursuit of illicit drug trafficking by sea and air.”
The statement stated that, under this framework, enforcement ships and aircraft, with the authorization of the other party, will be permitted to enter territorial seas, internal waters, and airspace to conduct surveillance or pursuit operations against suspect vessels and aircraft.
During the meeting, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillip J. Pierre, acknowledged the progress made between St. Lucia and the French countries, even as he noted that challenges remain in certain areas.
Pierre stated that, since the last meeting, progress had been made in various areas of cooperation; however, persistent obstacles remained.
“Since our last meeting, Franco-Saint Lucia cooperation has advanced in several areas of practical cooperation, training, and border control. However, challenges remain in communications, deportations, and disaster response,” he added.
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