Visit to Dakota Detention Center
ORANJESTAD – Minister of Justice, Dr. Arthur Dowers, has visited the Dakota Detention Center, where the Bureau Guarda nos Costa is located and undocumented immigrants are held pending deportation.
This visit is taking place due to the alarming situation surrounding addiction and street addicts, a situation that has spiraled out of control in recent years and is directly impacting safety, public order, and peace in several neighborhoods.
During his visit to Dakota, Minister Dowers explored practical solutions for the detention of street addicts who regularly violate the law and disrupt community safety. Options were explored to utilize a currently unused building on the Dakota Detention Center grounds, which is equipped with several cells that are practically ready for use. However, the technical and operational feasibility of such a use must be investigated responsibly, without impacting the neighborhood.
Minister Dowers confirmed that his ministry will continue to act decisively: vigorously in law enforcement, but with a responsible and humane approach. The problem of drugs and addiction can no longer be ignored; it requires an integrated approach that combines law enforcement and control with collaboration with health and rehabilitation institutions.
