Sint Eustatius: ---- On the request of the Acting Division Head of Police on the island of Sint Eustatius, to the Acting Chief of Police of the Windward Islands R.J.J. PANNEFLEK, asking for additional manpower to carry out general controls on the island of Statia, six members of then Zero-tolerance Team flew over on Monday November 17th to the island to give the necessary assistance said Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who was also part of the team.
The controls began on Tuesday morning November 18th. Controls were carried out by members of the local police force, members of the Zero Tolerance team (St Maarten) and members of VKE (Vrijwilligers Korps Sint Eustatius).
The controls were focused on the violation of the Traffic Ordinance, Illegal drug laws, fire arms and weapons laws and Immigration laws. By carrying -out these controls it would be step forward in suppressing any criminal behavior or activity among the general community and mainly among the youth and in doing so it will create a greater sense of safety among the community of Statia.
Henson said a total of 95 vehicles were stopped during the controls, 22 fines were given to traffic violators and 11 vehicles were taken in to the police station. All flights coming into the island and cargo ships coming into the harbour were searched.
Police also raided a number of construction sites and workplaces were suspected illegal persons were working. Several snacks, restaurants and bars were also raided to see if all permits were in order. Intense controls were also carried-out on the areas which are known to be "hotspots" (blocks) for illegal drugs and weapons.
The team of officers also visited the Gwendolyn van PUTTEN school (V.S.B.O.) on the request of the principal Mrs. C. BERKEL, in order to assist with a safety search of student school bags.
Henson said the school principal made the request based on the recent fights among students where weapons were used and also based on information of drugs use of the student of that school. The search was carried out with full cooperation of the all students and without incidents.
No weapons or drugs were found on the students neither on the school premises. After the search; the team of officers spoke to the students where they explained why it was necessary for them to be searched. Police also took the opportunity to speak the students about crime and criminal activities, gang violence, drugs abuse and the negative impact and consequences it has on youths.
