THE Westmoreland police are maintaining a strong presence in the normally tranquil south coast fishing village of Belmont, following the murder of two residents in quick succession.

The police claim that the killings are drug related. According to the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) officer for the parish, Corporal Alva Douglas, 20 year-old tailor Dermoth Jeffery was shot at his home at about 10:30 pm on October 23. He was taken to the Savanna-La-Mar Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries at approximately 3:00 am the following morning.

Four days later, another area resident, 48 year-old fisherman Constantine Roxborough, was gunned down in a bar at about 9:40 pm.

On October 16, Belmont was the scene of a massive drug seizure that netted ganja and cocaine valued at about $1.25 billion. There have also been rumours that not all the contraband was seized, and the police are now theorizing that area residents had, in fact, come in contact with the drugs and are now stealing from each other.

Reports are that since the deaths of Jeffrey and Roxborough, the Belmont community has been under siege by gunmen who have been terrorising the area.

According to one resident, who requested anonymity, some residents have fled the area, as they are fearful of losing their lives. The situation, the source said, has become so stressful that some residents have a problem sleeping at night.

The source added that the area, which is usually abuzz with activities, is now like a “ghost town” once night has fallen as residents are too afraid to move around in the community. There have also been reports that some area residents have received death threats, and this has contributed to the atmosphere of fear in the community.

But according to the police, their investigations are being hampered by a lack of co-operation from area residents who are tightlipped on the matter, and are not co-operating with them. The lawmen now have regular spot checks and patrols in the area.