PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Police Force of Sint Maarten with the assistance of the police forces from Aruba, Curacao, the Netherlands, the Royal Marechaussee, and the V.K.C. that are presently on the island along with the V.K.S. and the Customs Department, continue to make great progress in the arrest of persons, who have been identified as suspects in the mass looting of many businesses on the island, in the aftermath of hurricane Irma.
The amount of arrests in the looting investigations continues to grow rapidly and this is due to the amount of reliable information that continues to pour into the police department daily. House searches and raids were then executed of this information was received which resulted in the arrest of many suspects.
On Monday, September 25th, 4 suspects were arrested during three house searches that were executed at different locations on the Dutch Side of the island;
The first house search took place at a home in Ebenezer where the suspect identified with initials B.B.L.L. was arrested for looting. During the search of his home numerous electronic items were found and confiscated.
The second house search was done at a home on L.B. Scot road where the suspect identified with initials R.C.B.Ch. was arrested for several criminal offences such as theft and illegal gun and drugs possession. During the search a brand new car, several high powered fire arms, a very large amount of ammunition and an amount of illegal drugs were found and confiscated. (See pic attached)
The third house search was done at a home a Sucker Garden road where two suspects, both identified with initials O.F. were arrested for looting. During the search of the house a considerable amount of name brand clothing, electronics and alcohol were found and confiscated.
All suspects were arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Head Quarters where they remain in custody for questioning and further investigation.
The Police Department will continue this investigation and is asking the community who may have photographs or video footage of persons looting in the aftermath of hurricane Irma to share these photos or videos via personal message to the Police Face book Page. The police department has received many messages with information connected to this investigation. These messages will all be reviewed and investigated. The police department encourages the community to continue sending messages which will definitely be instrumental in bringing those persons responsible, to justice.
Four other persons were arrested on Monday for the violation of the curfew and the possession of a small quantity of illegal drugs.
