SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), through the KPSM Operations Team and in cooperation with various operational partners, conducted a series of targeted enforcement actions during the period of Sunday, September 20 through Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Operational Focus on Suppression
The operations focused on general road safety, the suppression of robberies, illegal firearms and drug-related offenses, with particular attention to areas where an increase in robberies had been identified.
Intelligence-led Policing
Based on information gathered through intelligence-led policing and operational cooperation, the KPSM Operations Team adjusted its deployment to locations and times where criminal activity was considered more prevalent. Controls were conducted during both daytime and nighttime hours.
Handgun Discovered during Preventive Search
During a control near a business in Simpson Bay, officers stopped a vehicle occupied by three persons. During a preventive search, a handgun was discovered inside the vehicle.
All three occupants were initially arrested, and the firearm was confiscated for further investigation. Following questioning, two of the people were identified as tourists and were subsequently released. The investigation concerning the firearm remains ongoing.
Search Leads to Stolen Vehicle
In the Maho area, officers arrested a suspect on suspicion of receiving or handling stolen property. The suspect was driving a gray Kia Picanto, which, during the control, was determined to have been reported stolen. The vehicle was secured for further investigation.
Preventive Search Leads to Arrests, and Drugs. One Person to be Deported
On the vicinity of the airport, two people were arrested following vehicle control. During a preventive search, a quantity of narcotics was discovered inside the vehicle. Both occupants were arrested on suspicion of violating the Opium Lands Ordinance.
One of the arrested persons, a Colombian national, was also found not to possess valid documentation permitting her to remain on Sint Maarten. She was subsequently transferred to the Immigration Department for further processing.
23 Scooters Controlled. 11 Confiscated. Suspected Attempted Robbery Stopped
On Saturday, September 26, a joint enforcement operation was conducted involving the KPSM Operations Team, together with, Detective Department, Immigration Department and Customs.
The operation was carried out at several locations across Sint Maarten and included targeted traffic and vehicle controls.
A total of 23 scooters were stopped. Of these, 11 scooters were taken into custody because their drivers did not have the required valid documentation.
During the operation, the police control center also received information concerning two scooters carrying four persons in the Platinum area, with reports that the male occupants were wearing masks.
Members of the Detective Department responded to the report. The suspects were subsequently observed and stopped on Sr. Modesta Road. The suspect managed to flee on a scooter, while another suspect being arrested. During the arrest, a firearm was found in the suspect's possession.
Given the circumstances surrounding the incident, investigators are examining the possibility that the suspect may have been preparing to commit a robbery. The investigation remains ongoing.
68 Vehicles Controlled. 28 Preventive Searches Carried Out
During the joint operation, a total of 68 vehicles were stopped for inspection. Of these, 28 vehicles were subjected to preventive searches conducted by police, Customs and Immigration personnel.
KPSM emphasizes that these actions form part of its continued efforts to improve road safety, prevent robberies and combat the possession and use of illegal firearms and narcotics.
The Police Force will continue to conduct targeted controls based on available intelligence and information received from officers and members of the public.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity or information concerning criminal activity to the police.
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