CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Mar 14, CMC – Police are investigating the deaths of three people, who died after reportedly consuming an alcoholic beverage following a funeral.

Health authorities confirmed that the three “healthy” persons from Coolie Town in Marigot, west of here died within a day of each other.

They did not identify the three people except to say they were a 45-year-old woman, and two men ages 35 and 40. Police said one person is assisting their investigations.

Media reports here said that the three people died this week after drinking an “alcoholic” beverage following a funeral.

The police are said to be investigating a possible link between the deaths and the robbery of a toxic spirit from the north of the island last week, which they suspect was being sold on the black market as alcohol.

The Ministry of Health said it would be issuing an official statement on the matter but in the meantime is warning persons from purchasing, selling, or ingesting any suspicious looking drink.