WILLEMSTAD – Personnel aboard the Dutch naval vessel Zr.Ms. Groningen intercepted two drug shipments in the Caribbean Sea on February 13 and 25, seizing more than 500 kilograms of cocaine.
The operation was initiated based on intelligence from a U.S. patrol aircraft, which spotted two fast-moving smuggling boats, known as "go-fasts." The Groningen deployed its high-speed interception boat, the FRISC, to chase the suspects. A combined team of Dutch Navy personnel and the U.S. Coast Guard was on board for the mission.
The first go-fast managed to escape but jettisoned its cargo, which was later retrieved from the water by the FRISC crew. The second smuggling vessel was intercepted after warning shots were fired from the Groningen’s NH-90 combat helicopter. The two suspects on board surrendered and, along with the seized drugs, were handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard for prosecution in the United States.
Since January 2025, the Groningen has been stationed in the Caribbean as part of a regional counter-narcotics mission. The ship collaborates with both the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard in ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.