Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten Sign Maritime Pursuit Treaty
On March 13, 2026, authorities from the French and Dutch sides of the island of Saint Martin formalized a significant step in cross-border law enforcement cooperation by signing a treaty that allows maritime 'hot pursuit' during anti-drug trafficking operations in the waters surrounding the island. This agreement aims to strengthen the collaborative efforts between the two jurisdictions in combating illicit maritime activities.
The treaty was signed at the police station in Cole Bay by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina of Sint Maarten and French Minister of Overseas Territories Naïma Moutchou. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both administrations and maritime law enforcement agencies, including Governor Ajamu Baly, Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling, French state representative Cyrille Le Vély, and President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin Louis Mussington.
Under the terms of the agreement, law enforcement vessels from either side of the island are permitted to continue pursuing suspected smugglers across maritime boundaries during anti-drug operations. This legal framework allows authorities to enter each other's territorial waters while actively pursuing vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking or other maritime crimes. The treaty also provides for enhanced operational cooperation, including the exchange of intelligence and coordination of surveillance activities.
The agreement addresses a procedural gap that criminal networks have exploited by crossing from one jurisdiction into another during maritime pursuits. By closing this gap, the treaty aims to bolster maritime security and reinforce the joint commitment to combat organized crime in the region.
Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the French and Dutch sides of the island, referencing the Treaty of Concordia signed in 1648, which established the peaceful coexistence of the French and Dutch communities on a single landmass. She emphasized that the new agreement extends that cooperation into the maritime domain, where organized crime groups have at times attempted to exploit jurisdictional boundaries.
The treaty signing concluded with the formal exchange of documents between Prime Minister Mercelina and Minister Moutchou, followed by a ceremonial toast attended by officials from both governments. This agreement is expected to strengthen maritime law enforcement and enhance the collaborative efforts of both sides in ensuring the security and safety of the island's waters.