Crime

The Dutch Coast Guard has docked at Bonaire.  They are starting a several month program to capture drugs and Venezuelans, both of which are illegal on the island. Military personnel were unloading on the dock.  It was the first time we have seen military present on shore.  

This program is in conjunction with the Dutch Navy, US authorities and the Caribbean drug enforcement  agency.  They cruise around the islands and try to pick up drug runners from South America and illegals trying to come to the island without appropriate documentation.

Last week, at the airport, a Colombian man was apprehended with a large sum of money he couldn't explain, and he had not gotten an appropriate visa for visiting the island.  It amazed me that he was apprehended because the security at the airport is like a vacation hotel.  Looks must be deceiving because they really are stopping the undesirables.

Drugs and weapons are against the law on the island.  It is interesting that drugs are legal in Amsterdam but not here.  Nevertheless, drugs are present on Bonaire.  Yesterday, we were swimming at Bachelor Beach (the closest one to our house) and the occupants in the truck next to us were smoking pot.  We suspect it is grown here. Although, it is possible that it is brought in via the airport or by sea.

The police reports in the local paper, "The Bonairian" , often report fights that break out using knives.  It seems only the police carry guns. It is interesting to note that Bonaire had only one homicide victim in the last five years. 

Petty crimes seem to be the biggest problem.  The dive sites are always being hit by thieves.  So when we go to the beach we take nothing but car keys and towels. We leave our phones, drivers license, money and anything that can be taken while we are in the water. Better safe than sorry.