Police and Marechaussee intensify crime prevention ahead of tourist season

GREAT BAY--Police and members of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar) confiscated two firearms, seized two fraudulent driver's licenses and checked 175 vehicles during a series of coordinated crime prevention operations across St. Maarten over the past week. The operations also resulted in eight fines and four incidents involving suspected violations of the Opium Ordinance, as law enforcement authorities intensify their presence ahead of the upcoming busy tourist season.

In a statement issued Tuesday, November 3, the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) said the joint operations form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety, combat illegal firearm possession, address drug-related offenses and prevent criminal activity. The coordinated exercises involved vehicle inspections, targeted enforcement actions and preventive patrols at various locations across the island, with particular attention to areas where public safety concerns have been identified.

According to KPSM, the operations resulted in 175 vehicles being stopped and inspected, with eight official reports issued for various violations. Officers also confiscated two firearms and two fraudulent driver's licenses, while four incidents were recorded involving suspected offenses under the Opium Ordinance. Police additionally responded to a shooting incident in the Fort Willem area during the reporting period. The statement did not provide further details about that incident or indicate whether arrests were made in connection with the confiscated weapons or suspected drug offenses.

Additional preventive patrols were carried out during nighttime hours in Maho and Cupecoy, two areas that attract considerable activity from residents and visitors. According to police, these patrols placed particular emphasis on preventing robberies and other criminal activities. The increased visibility of law enforcement officers forms part of preparations for the approaching tourist season, when visitor arrivals and commercial activity are expected to increase.

KPSM emphasized that maintaining a safe environment for residents, businesses and visitors remains a priority, particularly as St. Maarten enters one of its busiest economic periods. The police indicated that joint controls and preventive patrols will continue over the coming weeks, targeting locations where criminal activity or other public safety concerns have been identified.

The police also reminded the public that illegal firearm possession is a serious criminal offense and that individuals found carrying illegal weapons risk arrest, prosecution and confiscation of the firearms. KPSM stressed that its enforcement activities are intended not only to address criminal offenses but also to prevent incidents through increased patrols and visible police presence.

The Police Force expressed appreciation to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee for its continued cooperation and assistance in strengthening law enforcement efforts on St. Maarten. The collaboration is expected to remain an important part of the broader strategy to maintain public order and improve safety during the upcoming tourism season.

KPSM is also urging residents to cooperate with officers conducting controls and to report suspicious activities. The police emphasized that public safety is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation between law enforcement agencies, businesses and the wider community.

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