Police conducting saturation patrols throughout Friday night and early Saturday morning on St. Croix netted arrests, the confiscation of an illegally possessed weapon and drugs.

The saturation patrols are designed to reduce opportunities for criminals and make the roads safer for motorists, according to the police.

St. Croix Deputy Chief Christopher Howell said the patrols are a crime prevention strategy that targets high-crime and known drug-trafficking areas and checks for driving infractions to improve road safety.

“Increasing saturated patrol is an effective way to reduce crime,” Howell said Saturday. An increase of “blue lights” island wide gives a sense of security to residents and is a deterrent to criminals, he added, vowing that the department will continue the tactic “as much as possible.”

Kaleem McFarlande, 21, and Arsdale Ferdinand, 29, were arrested minutes before 10 p.m. and charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. The suspects were stopped by police in the vicinity of Estate Grove Place because they were not wearing seatbelts. Police checked the vehicle and found a fully loaded .357 Magnum handgun and marijuana. Bail for both suspects was set at $25,000.

Roy Christopher, 33, was arrested at about 1:17 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence after nearly crashing into a police vehicle conducting saturated patrols in the Estate Glynn area. Police conducted a field sobriety test and administered a breathalyzer test. According to the police, Christopher was well over the legal blood alcohol level.