Police in Bonaire executed a person search (see related story) last Friday in various designated areas at seven catering establishments and among youngsters gathered under a tree. They confiscated quantities drugs and related paraphernalia, a machete and two knives.
During such operations people get stopped and searched without being a suspect. The standard “probable cause” requirement is not applied in these cases that are therefore usually limited in length and scope.
St. Maarten took similar action in Dutch Quarter earlier this year following several gun-related incidents there. That prompted rioting, setting cars including a police vehicle on fire and even shooting at officers.
A meeting subsequently took place between community leaders, influential youths and authorities to discuss the matter. However, one of the main participants was arrested soon after.
As reported in Monday’s edition, targeted road controls over Christmas produced four firearms of which one turned out to be a toy. This led to three arrests, while three others were also detained for lacking proof of identification mandated by law.
Let’s face it, nobody enjoys being held and searched for no apparent reason. However, considering the rise of violent crime, this kind of inconvenience may indeed be necessary to better protect the public and the island’s tourism economy.
It seems like a price worth paying.
