Based on local newspaper adds and information gathered by the Department for Public Health Inspection based in Curacao, with regards to the offering of certain medical treatment on the island of Sint Maarten, it became suspicious to this department that the practices mentioned might maybe illegal. Based on these suspicions two medical doctors/Inspector from the Public Health Inspection flew over from Curacao to investigate the matter.
On Thursday evening October 15th at approximately 08.00 p.m. the inspectors in question assisted by two police officers went to an appartment building ( The Metal Factory) located in the Saunders area to conduct an investigation at one of the places, where these suspicious illegal practices had been going on. At that location the inspectors, in the presence of the police officers, spoke to the occupant of that appartment. The occupant of the appartment, the man with initials E.L. from the Philipines was informed of the reason of their visit after which he freely gave them access to his appartment to conduct their investigation.
At the rear of the appartment adjacent to his sleeping quarters, a complete dental clinic was set-up from which E.L. was operating from on a daily basis. Many dental tools, equipment and medication used to administer to patients in treatment were found and confiscated for further investigation.
E.L. was detained on the spot. A further investigation revealed that the suspects documentation to reside on the island had expired and no documents for renewal were filed or in process. He was taken to the Philipsburg Police station. The public prosecutor was informed of the situation and a hefty fine was handed down to the suspect. The suspect will also remain in custody until all arrangements are made for him to travel back to his country.
One other location in Frontstreet was investigated and also found to performing illegal medical practices. The owner of this establishment also recieved a heavy fine.
A stern warning is going out to all those establishments that are performing illegal medical practices, that if caught in the act, they to will receive a very heavy fine.
