2026 Review: Encouraging results, but persistent challenges

Gathered on Friday at the prefecture on the occasion of a security headquartersRepresentatives of the State, the judiciary, law enforcement, and the Ministry of National Education drew up the review of the first half of 2026While several indicators are considered positive, particularly in the fight against... drug trafficking et irregular immigrationthe authorities remain attentive to the evolution of everyday crime, particularly armed robberies (VAMA).

Around Prefect Cyrille Le Vély were gathered prosecutor of Basse-Terre Stéphanie Bazart, the vice-rector Nicole Noilhetas, the sub-prefect Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, the second-in-command of the gendarmerie François Zimmer and Commander David Appelghem, representative of the National Police.

Solid results in the fight against drug trafficking

The authorities are highlighting a sustained activity of the security forces during the first six months of the year. The fight against drug trafficking intensified with 36 drug dealing point checks carried out in Saint-Martin, compared to 26 in 2025. Drug use offenses increased by 56%, with 309 procedures recorded (+37% in Saint-Barth), while dismantled trafficking networks increased by 57% across the territory.

In the field, The gendarmes provided 21.700 hours of presence on public roadsThis represents a 4% increase, with nearly a quarter of those incidents occurring overnight. Prefect Cyrille Le Vély also highlighted a 32% increase in operations initiated by law enforcement. The clearance rate reached 53% for the Northern Islands, compared to a national target of 45%.My priority is safety" the prefect reminded, highlighting the mobilization of the various services.

Immigration and road safety

Another highlighted result: the fight against illegal immigration. The rate of enforcement of orders to leave French territory (OQTF) reached 64% (delivery +36%), a level significantly higher than the national average announced at around 10%. Procedures for aiding and abetting irregular stay have also tripled.

Regarding road safety, the report indicates 18 accidents in the first half of 2026, compared to 22 in 2025. The number of injuries also decreased, with 23 people affected compared to 37 the previous year. However, three deaths were recorded, compared to two in 2025. Saint-Martin recorded onlyone homicide since January, on June 20, compared to six for the whole of 2025 (zero in Saint-Barth).

Everyday crime under surveillance

However, the picture is more mixed regarding everyday crime. damage to property increase by 8%, with 753 incidents recorded in the first half of the year compared to 667 in 2025 (695 in 2024). attacks on people They also increased by 6%, with 563 incidents compared to 518 the previous year (570 in 2024). domestic violence Meanwhile, they are progressing slightly (+1,4%).

Among these developments, armed robberies are now the main concern for the authorities. Since January, 78 incidents have been recorded in Saint-Martin and 22 suspected perpetrators have been arrested. Continued in our next edition. _VX