PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, December 20, 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with various law enforcement partners, conducted a large-scale multi-agency control operation at the four borders of Sint Maarten. The operation took place between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM and was carried out in close cooperation with Customs, the Immigration Service, the Sint Maarten Volunteer Corps (VKS), Marines, and the Gendarmerie.
Objective of the Operation
The objective of this joint operation was to strengthen border control and enforcement at Sint Maarten's borders and on its roads. By combining the expertise and capacity of all involved agencies, a wide range of controls could be executed, ranging from vehicle and document checks to targeted security measures.
Execution
During the two-hour operation, several checkpoints were established at strategic locations. The KPSM, Customs, and the Immigration Service were responsible for border and document controls. The VKS and Marines monitored the outer perimeter and provided additional support where necessary, including assistance with vehicle searches.
Results
The control operation is considered successful by all involved parties. Clear positive effects were evident at both the operational and societal levels. The following results were gathered :
- 471 vehicles were inspected
- The Immigration Service checked 270 persons for documentation
- 7 buses with a total of 59 passengers were inspected
- 3 scooters were impounded
- 2 vehicles were seized due to the inability to present valid documents
- 4 persons were arrested on-site by the Immigration Service for failure to present valid residence documents; three of them were released after family members presented valid documents
- 65 persons were searched by the police
- Customs searched 40 vehicles
- 1 arrest was made by the police for violation of the Opium Ordinance.
KPSM emphasizes the importance of such multi-agency control operations for the safety and law enforcement in Sint Maarten. The cooperation between the various law enforcement partners was excellent and contributed to a safer Sint Maarten for all residents and visitors.
These types of controls will continue in the future, particularly during the busy Christmas and New Year's period. The KPSM, together with its partners, remains committed to conducting similar operations to ensure safety and enforcement on the island.
KPSM Press Release.
