WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Coast Guard intercepted a major drug and weapons shipment last night after detecting suspicious activity at sea near the island. The Maritime Operations Center of the Coast Guard identified a suspicious contact and immediately deployed a Metal Shark patrol vessel and the Coast Guard helicopter to investigate. 

Upon arrival near St. Joris Bay, the helicopter crew located the vessel, which had run aground in the nearby mangrove forest. Two individuals aboard the vessel fled the scene and remain at large. 

During a search of the stranded boat, Coast Guard personnel and police officers discovered over 770 kilograms of narcotics, along with seven firearms and ammunition. The seized items were handed over to the Curaçao Police Force (KPC). According to authorities, the drugs have already been destroyed. 

An investigation is ongoing as law enforcement continues the search for the suspects. The interception highlights the continued vigilance of the Coast Guard in combating drug trafficking and illegal arms transport in the region.