Two arrested in “Albacore” investigation; more expected

PHILIPSBURG — Two suspects, J.L.La P. (41) and M.J.P. (42) were arrested this morning on charges of bribery in an investigation dubbed “Albacore”.

This investigation is being conducted by the National Detectives of St. Maarten with support of the Police Force of Sint Maarten and overseen by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigating team carried out a search at three locations this morning: a home in Sucker Garden, a home in Saunders and at the office of the Ministry of Justice on A.T. Illidge Road. Various administration documents and data carriers were seized.

J.L.La P. and M.J.P. are being held in restrictive custody.

Albacore is the name of a tuna that travels in large schools and is of commercial importance as a food fish most commonly found in canned tuna. Based on the name of this investigation, we can assume there are more persons involved in this case and we can expect to hear more arrests made.