WILLEMSTAD – Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans has clarified the current state of cooperation between the Netherlands and the United States in the Caribbean, stating that joint efforts against drug trafficking continue, but are currently limited due to a shift in U.S. operations.
Speaking during a press moment in Curaçao on Wednesday, Brekelmans explained that for many years the Netherlands and the United States worked closely together in combating drug smuggling in the Caribbean region. This cooperation traditionally focused on intercepting smugglers, arresting suspects, and prosecuting them through the judicial system.
According to Brekelmans, that form of cooperation still exists in principle, but is currently operating at a lower level. He attributed this to the U.S. operation known as Southern Spear, under which American forces have begun firing on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The Netherlands does not participate in such actions, Brekelmans said.
He emphasized, however, that the Netherlands remains open to continued cooperation with the United States in fighting drug smuggling through established legal methods, including the interception, arrest, and prosecution of suspects. These approaches, he noted, are consistent with Dutch policy and international legal standards.
Brekelmans’ remarks come amid heightened regional attention to security operations in the Caribbean and underline the differing operational boundaries between allies, even as they pursue shared objectives in counter-narcotics efforts.