St. Maarten Police Force KPSM asks the public to be aware of human smuggling/trafficking. If you see something, say something.
OYSTER POND--St. Maarten Police Force KPSM, together with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee KMar and the Immigration Department, conducted a control operation at a brothel in the Oyster Pond area on Saturday night, August 8.
The operation was initiated following information concerning possible acts of human trafficking and other related offences taking place at the establishment. The control was conducted under the leadership of the Judge of Instruction and involved several detectives and other officers from KPSM. Personnel from KMar and the Immigration Department also assisted with the operation.
During the operation, officers spoke with the women at the establishment. Some of them identified themselves as victims of human trafficking based on irregularities they said had taken place. These women were subsequently placed in a victim protection programme.
Women who did not meet the criteria to be considered victims and who were found to be in the country illegally were turned over to the Immigration Department. A woman who was operating the establishment was arrested during the operation and transported to the police station for questioning. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the operation remains ongoing.
KPSM said human trafficking and human smuggling remain serious concerns throughout the Caribbean region and that, together with local and international justice partners, it continues to conduct investigations and enforcement operations aimed at identifying and addressing such forms of exploitation.
The police emphasised that combatting human trafficking requires cooperation between law enforcement authorities, government agencies, community organisations and the public. Information from the community can assist authorities in identifying potential victims and bringing those responsible for exploitation to justice.
Anyone with information concerning human trafficking, human smuggling or the exploitation of persons on St. Maarten is encouraged to contact KPSM at +1 721-542-2222 or anonymously through the KPSM tip line at 9300. KPSM urged residents to follow its message: “If you see something, say something.”
