During a traffic check on Thursday, November 12, 2026, which was also attended by the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS), police took action, among other things, against vehicles with tinted windows, failure to wear seat belts and driving without a valid vehicle inspection certificate.
According to KPS spokesperson Michel Elskamp, the checks are part of an integrated surveillance operation in Groot-Paramaribo. Police deploy both visible and covert surveillance to increase their presence on the streets and strengthen operational capacity.
The KPS Drone Unit was also deployed during the check. Police additionally checked whether road users had outstanding fines or appeared in the records of the Dienst Executie Strafvonnissen (DES). Eight convicted persons were stopped during the operation. They paid their outstanding fines on the spot.
Elskamp stresses that the results of the checks are assessed on the basis of the number of vehicles checked, arrests, violations identified and any seizures. Although he does not describe the situation as worrying, he calls on road users to ensure their vehicle documents are in order and to comply with traffic regulations.
According to the KPS, the number of traffic violations and road accidents in Paramaribo has increased this year compared with last year. Police will therefore continue to conduct checks at various locations, depending on the traffic situation and the violations identified.
453 suspects arrested during roadblocks
In addition to regular traffic checks, police also carry out so-called roadblocks. Chief Inspector Sharwan Kasi, head of Regio Paramaribo, announced that a total of 52 roadblocks were held in August, September and October.
These operations led to the arrest of 453 suspects, 291 of whom were remanded in custody. During the same period, 324 criminal case files were drawn up and forwarded to the Openbaar Ministerie (OM). In addition, police issued 745 reports for expedited proceedings.
Kasi explains that there is a clear difference between a regular traffic check and a roadblock. During a traffic check, police mainly focus on vehicle documents and compliance with traffic regulations. When everything is in order, the driver may continue on their way.
According to the chief inspector, a roadblock is broader in nature. Based on observations and previous experience, police may decide to subject vehicles and occupants to a more thorough check.
By intensifying the checks, the KPS aims not only to tackle traffic violations, but also to increase opportunities to trace suspects in criminal offences and improve security in Paramaribo.
