Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

109.   Signalling to smugglers

  1.  

    (1)   In this section reference to a “prohibited signal” or a “prohibited message” are references to a signal or message connected with the smuggling or intended smuggling of goods into or out of Saint Lucia.

  1.  

    (2)   If any person by any means sends any prohibited signal or transmits any prohibited message from any place in Saint Lucia or from any vessel or aircraft, for the information of any person in any vessel or aircraft, he or she commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $5,000, or to imprisonment for 12 months, or to both, and may be arrested, and any equipment or apparatus used for the sending of the signal or message is liable to forfeiture.

  1.  

    (3)   Subsection (2) applies whether or not the person for whom the signal or message is intended is in a position to receive it or is actually engaged at that time in smuggling.

  1.  

    (4)   If, in any proceedings against a person under subsection (2), any question arises as to whether any signal or message was a prohibited signal or a prohibited message, the burden of proof lies on the defendant.

  1.  

    (5)   If any officer or police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a prohibited signal or a prohibited message is being or is about to be made or transmitted from any vessel, aircraft, vehicle, building or other place in Saint Lucia he or she may board or enter that vessel, aircraft, vehicle, building or other place in Saint Lucia, and take such steps as are reasonably necessary to stop or prevent the sending of that signal or message.