SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As part of the Ministry of Justice's continued commitment to strengthening public safety and pushing back against criminal activity, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), together with its justice partners—the Customs Department and the Immigration and Border Protection Service—conducted a large-scale multidisciplinary control operation on Friday, July 31, 2026.
The operation was carried out simultaneously at the Union Road/Bellevue and Belle Plaine (Belvedere) border crossings. Conducted with the knowledge of the French authorities, the coordinated operation forms part of an ongoing cross-border enforcement strategy aimed at disrupting criminal activity, increasing compliance with the law, and demonstrating a united law enforcement presence on both sides of the island.
These joint enforcement actions are a key component of the Ministry of Justice's crime prevention strategy. By combining the expertise and legal authority of multiple justice agencies, law enforcement is better equipped to detect criminal offences, enforce immigration and customs legislation, improve road safety, and safeguard the security of the community.
The successful execution of this operation once again demonstrates the determination of the justice chain to work together in a coordinated and proactive manner. KPSM is pleased to report that the cooperation, communication, and operational coordination between all participating agencies showed significant improvement compared to previous joint operations, contributing directly to the positive results achieved.
Operational Results
During the control operation, officers from the participating agencies achieved the following results:
- 125 vehicles were inspected to verify that all required legal documents were in order.
- 67 vehicles were searched by officers of the Customs Department and KPSM.
- 2 vehicles were impounded due to the absence of valid road tax.
- 1 individual was arrested for possession of marijuana.
- Small quantities of marijuana were also discovered in the possession of several other motorists. These individuals voluntarily surrendered the narcotics, which were confiscated and immediately destroyed on-site.
- Three prohibited weapons were confiscated from separate vehicles: One machete; One nunchuck; One knife.
- 17 scooters were inspected, all of which were found to be in compliance with the required documentation.
- Seven traffic fines were issued for various offences, including: Driving without a valid driver's license; Failure to possess valid road tax; Operating a vehicle without valid insurance.
- Officers of the Immigration and Border Protection Service conducted inspections of several individuals to verify their identity and immigration status.
- Customs officers, in close cooperation with KPSM, carried out inspections under the Customs Ordinance to detect customs-related offences and prohibited goods entering or leaving the country.
KPSM thanks the Customs Department, the Immigration and Border Protection Service, and all officers who participated in this operation. The Police Force also expresses its appreciation to the public for their patience and cooperation during the control activities.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten remains committed to working together with its justice partners to ensure a safer Sint Maarten for all residents and visitors. The public can expect additional joint operations in the future as part of the Ministry of Justice's ongoing strategy to combat crime, strengthen border security, and uphold public.
