PHILIPSBURG / MARIGOT--Authorities have announced the continuation of joint controls by the French Gendarmes and the Dutch St. Maarten police, assisted by the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten VKS, Dutch Marechaussees, Fire Department, Customs Department, Health Department and Coast Guard.
These controls were planned and executed prior to the passing of Hurricane Earl, but temporarily put on hold due to the hurricane.
The French Gendarmes and Dutch-side police controlled the four major boarder points – Lowlands, Union Road/Bellevue, Belvedere/French Quarter and Oyster Pond/Coralita – late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Several vehicles were stopped and checked for proper functioning and necessary documentation during these controls. The vehicles and occupants were searched for weapons and drugs. Drivers and passengers also were controlled for adequate legal documentation.
Many vehicles were towed and fines issued. Persons found to be residing on the island illegally were taken into police custody. According to police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson, a summary of all actions taken by the police during this control will be released at a later date.
