Neighbouring French Guiana recently started beefing up its surveillance along the border with Suriname. Hundreds of officers have been deployed to keep an eye on the movement of people and goods on the Marowijne River. Dozens of arrests were made these past few days but the French officers also seized goods and handed out fines to perpetrators.

The increased surveillance is reportedly part of Operation ATIPA which was launched at the end of December. Reports indicate that 218 canoes and 1,271 people were inspected from December 30th until January 5th. 76 canoes and 135 people were sent back to the Surinamese border after inspection. About 21 kilograms of fireworks were seized while 3 wanted suspects were arrested.