Justice Ministry Acting SG Given Tour of Police Holding Cell where Prisoners escaped

Apprehension of escapees given top priority by law enforcement

Acting Secretary General (SG) at the Ministry of Justice Richard Panneflek upon his return from Curacao on Tuesday was given a tour of the Police Holding Cells at the Philipsburg Police Headquarters (HQ).

SG Panneflek was visiting the cells on behalf of Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson who was not able to visit HQ due to being off island, in order to see for himself where the three escaped detainees were being held.

Panneflek also met with Prison Director Rohan and his staff, Solicitor General Taco Stein and the investigating team. The Minister of Justice is being kept informed as the manhunt continues.

Panneflek stated on Wednesday that the Minister of Justice has given the re-capture of these criminals a high priority and would like to ensure the Sint Maarten community that every effort and resource has been made available to catch the three escapees as soon as possible.

The three suspects are considered by law enforcement as armed and extremely dangerous.

The Police Department is seeking the help of the community with any information that they may have that will lead to the apprehension of these three individuals.

Persons who are assisting the three escapees will also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Anyone with information can call the Police HQ at 542-2222 or 911.