WILLEMSTAD - In a joint operation, the Dutch navy ship HNLMS Groningen and the Caribbean Coast Guard seized nearly two thousand kilograms of drugs. This occurred after intercepting two drug transports in the Caribbean Sea during the nights of Thursday and Friday.
HNLMS Groningen, active in the Caribbean region since May 2023, intercepted a drug transport last Thursday. After detecting the suspicious vessel, two fast interception boats were deployed.
The suspects aboard the fleeing vessel began throwing packages overboard when approached. The crew fired warning shots and eventually disabled an outboard motor of the fleeing vessel. After this action, the five suspects surrendered, and the discarded packages were recovered.
On the following night, another vessel with seven individuals on board was detected. Once again, fast boats were deployed, and eventually, the twelve Venezuelan suspects surrendered. The contraband and suspects were later handed over to the Curaçao Police Force.