Dutch Marechaussee expected to join KPSM control operations
The Ministry of Justice said on Tuesday 27 October that Dutch military personnel are supporting KPSM controls, with Marechaussee members expected to join.
On Tuesday 27 October, the Ministry of Justice said members of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps were supporting the Police Force of Sint Maarten, KPSM, during control operations across Sint Maarten. The ministry said members of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, KMar, were expected to join the operations during the week of 26 October.
The ministry said the deployment followed a formal request by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. It said the support was intended to add to KPSM's operational capacity and law-enforcement presence.
According to the ministry, the joint operations include general checks, traffic controls, and stops and searches of people and vehicles. It said the operations focus in particular on detecting illegal firearms and narcotics, and are coordinated with KPSM under applicable legal authorities and procedures.
The Ministry of Justice and KPSM asked residents and visitors to cooperate during the controls. Motorists were asked to follow instructions from personnel and allow for possible delays. The ministry said information about illegal firearms, drug trafficking or other criminal activity can be provided to KPSM at +1 721 542 2222 or anonymously through tip line 9300. In an emergency, call 911.
Photo: Government of Sint Maarten (DCOMM), supplied with the release
