Interpol to assist Netherlands Antilles

WILLEMSTAD, Netherlands Antilles, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The Netherlands Antilles has partnered with Interpol to enhance border security in a move to prevent entry of transnational criminals and other threats.

David Dick, Netherlands Antilles minister of justice, announced that border security authorities in the Netherlands Antilles will have access to Interpol's Stolen and Lost Travel Documents international database beginning in early 2009, Interpol reported.

With access to the database, containing security information from 137 countries, border security and other law enforcement officials will be able to better prevent the movement of transnational criminal networks and other illicit organizations that officials say will enhance regional security.

"Giving our immigration, customs and police agencies direct access to the Interpol database through our border management system infrastructure will provide another significant layer of security not just for the citizens of the Netherlands Antilles, but for the million and half visitors who come each year," Dick said in a statement.