The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has ramped up its crackdown on firearm-related crimes, following the successful execution of a joint operation that led to the seizure of an illegal firearm and ammunition in Georgetown.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, members of the Special Services Unit (SSU), Rapid Response Unit (RRU), and the Narcotics Unit (Drug Squad) conducted a coordinated mission in the Georgetown area. The operation culminated in the recovery of one unlicensed 9mm pistol and twelve (12) rounds of 9mm ammunition.
As a result, police arrested Shawphiel Moore, a 31-year-old mason of South Rivers/New Montrose. Moore was formally charged on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, with the following offences:
1. Possession of an unlicensed firearm, to wit, one (1) 9mm pistol, without a license issued under the Firearms Act.
2. Possession of unlicensed ammunition, to wit, twelve (12) rounds of 9mm ammunition, without a license issued under the Firearms Act.
Moore appeared before the Serious Offences Court on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Though he initially pleaded guilty to both charges, the magistrate entered not guilty pleas on his behalf due to issues surrounding his legal representation. The matter has been adjourned to Monday, May 26, 2025, and Moore has been remanded into custody.
This is not Moore’s first brush with the law on firearm-related charges. In July 2020, he was jointly charged with another individual for the possession of one Ruger P85 MKII 9mm pistol and three (3) rounds of 9mm ammunition — all unlicensed.
The RSVGPF has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal firearms and emphasized the significance of every seizure in preserving public safety. According to police, this recent success highlights the importance of inter-unit collaboration, intelligence gathering, and tactical readiness.
The RSVGPF continues to appeal to the public to join the fight against illegal firearms. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity by contacting:
Police Control: (784) 457-1211
Police Emergency: 911 / 999
Or any police station or officer you trust.
All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
> “We continue to push back against those who choose to arm themselves illegally. It is only a matter of time — you will be found, and you will be charged,” a spokesperson for the RSVGPF stated.
