Customs intensify searches for firearms at PJIA

From government site.
"** Customs St. Maarten intensify controls for several flights due to illegal import of firearms **

The Customs Department has intensified its activities at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) due to a significant number of firearms and ammunition being identified and seized from the luggage of in- and outbound passengers.

Customs aims to contribute effectively to the safety and security of St. Maarten while forming a minimal obstacle to passenger flow. However, as of January of this year, the Customs Department has intercepted a significant number of firearms, ammunition, and parts of firearms on passengers traveling to St. Maarten via the Princess Juliana International Airport.

Through further investigation, it was identified that some of the suspects successfully bypassed a number of checkpoints and were able to travel from their country of origin and entered St. Maarten with the firearm. On Tuesday, September 27th, a passenger who claimed that she was an active-duty police officer abroad, indicated that she brought her service firearm to the island for protection. However, there is no record that the traveler acquired clearance from the Minister of Justice to do so.

Pursuant to Article 2 of the National Decree on Firearms, the import, export, and transit of firearms are forbidden without the permission of the Ministry of Justice. Permission, also known as a consent document, is needed from the Minister of Justice prior to transporting the weapon. In issuing a consent document the Ministry of Justice checks if a person is by law authorized or has a valid permit to own or carry the weapon. Not only private persons but also law enforcement officers and commercial weapon dealers have to request permission from the Minister of Justice to import, export, or transfer a firearm to or from St. Maarten.

If such a consent document is not issued, the Customs Department has the right to confiscate the weapon. Based on Article 13 of the Firearm Ordinance the Customs Department is authorized to enforce the laws regarding the import, export, and transfer of weapons in St. Maarten. Violating the aforementioned legislation is considered a criminal offense and is punishable with a maximum detention sentence of 4 years or a maximum fine of ANG 10.000,-.

Persons involved in these cases were either arrested, fined, or received a conditional dismissal and/ or forfeited their rights to the product.

These intense actions have affected the normal free flow of passengers at the airport and the department notes that this can be a discomfort for some. However, it must be understood that law enforcement has a duty to serve and protect. The Customs Department in particular must take actions that safeguard the community at large and controlling what is imported and exported to and from Sint Maarten is directly linked to that."

This is good news, that they realize that there is a gun problem on the island and they are trying to take action!!A friend of mine when he came down, he had to inform the government that he was carrying his firearm that in fact he was a lieutenant for Homeland security and that at any time he could be called duty.

I dug this thread up because we came in yesterday and there is now an additional “security” line you have to stand in once you claim your luggage. You have to run it through a scanner before you are allowed to exit the airport. It makes it even more congested in the baggage claim area. Probably added 30 min extra to the whole arrival process. I’m wondering if this is part of this crackdown on firearms?

I would think it's more than just firearms they are scanning for like drugs etc. Good to know they are doing that.

That used to be a random event when aircraft from certain countries had arrived or when they suspected something was being brought into SXM. I remember once we were in lines that were REALLY long and then it opened up and they let everyone out.