Sint Maarten Police Press release 17062019

Philipsburg, June  17th  2019

From: Chief Inspector R.V. HENSON

POLICE PRESS RELEASE

Two men arrested at PJIA

On Friday June 14th 2019, after a routine check of incoming suitcases, one suitcase appeared to contain a suspicious substance, which after a thorough inspection by the Customs officers turned out to be marijuana. During this interception one man with the initials C.J. was arrested by the Customs Officers. The case was later, in consultation with the public prosecutor, handed over to the Alpha Team of the Sint Maarten Police Force for further investigation.

Also on Friday June 14th 2019, a male passenger traveling from the Dominican Republic with initials G.A.J.P. attempted to enter the country illegally. Upon his arrival at the Immigration check point he handed over a green card to one of the Immigration Officers who immediately realized that the Green card that was handed over, was falsified. In collaboration with officers of The Alpha Team, G.A.J.P. was arrested and taken to the Philipsburg Police station, where he remains in custody pending the investigation.

Attempted suicide by 3 illegal Cubans

On Wednesday June 12th, 2019, the Judge ordered the deportation of three illegal persons of Cuban nationality back to Cuba. All three were already in Police custody when on Friday June 14th 2019, they tried to take their own lives after hearing their verdict. They were rushed to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for immediate treatment and were brought back to the Police Headquarters the same night and in stable condition. It was mentioned on social media that the Cubans were on a hunger strike. The Immigration division hereby confirms that their hunger strike has ended and that they are eating again since today. The Sint Maarten Police Force is currently looking into the legal options for deporting the 3 illegal Cubans, together with the UNHCR, Refugee Protection and International Migration. The community will be informed as more information becomes available.

 

Two men commit armed robbery in Sucker Garden

On Friday, June 14th at approximately 10.30 P.M. police patrols and Detectives from the Special Unit Robbery were sent to a house in Sucker Garden to investigate an armed robbery which had taken place shortly before. On the scene, the investigating officers encountered a lady who was ill-treated during the armed robbery. She stated that two men, one of which was armed with a gun and dressed in dark clothing, entered the premises and asked for money while pointing the gun at her. They then proceeded to wound her and took her personal items. Both men fled the scene after committing this act. The victim was taken to the SMMC for medical assistance.

No suspect has been identified or arrested in this case. The Police is asking the community to come forward with information. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Armed Robberies Unit +1 721 – 542 22 22 Ext. 205 or call the anonymous Tip line 9300. This Tip line can also be reached from abroad on the number +1721 – 542 03 45.