WILLEMSTAD - During eight different operations in the Caribbean Sea, 9.7 tons of cocaine were intercepted by the authorities of Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands. The drugs were destined for the US and Europe and, according to Colombia, have a street value of $327 million.
According to Colombian media, one cargo of more than 5 tons was intercepted in the territorial waters of Aruba. The authorities found the drugs floating in the water and is said to have had the Dominican Republic as its destination. Four other operations targeted so-called go-fast motorboats. Fifteen people of different nationalities were arrested. It is not yet clear to which authorities they have been handed over.
According to Colombian authorities, 109 tons of cocaine have already been seized in the Caribbean this year.
The Dutch Royal Navy has been involved in an international collaboration against drug trafficking in the Caribbean for many years.
