WILLEMSTAD - The Royal Netherlands Navy has intercepted another large drug shipment in the Caribbean Sea, seizing 511 kilograms of cocaine on November 24. The operation, carried out by the Dutch naval ship Zr.Ms. Holland, marks the seventh drug seizure since its arrival in the region. The news was officially announced today.
The interception began when the Caribbean Coast Guard’s maritime patrol aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel. Zr.Ms. Holland immediately responded, deploying its fast interception craft (FRISCs) to pursue the boat.
Crew members from the FRISCs, the Fleet Marine Squadron, and a U.S. Coast Guard maritime law enforcement team forced the vessel to stop by firing targeted shots at its engines. During the chase, the four suspects aboard the drug boat attempted to discard packages into the sea. All discarded bundles were successfully retrieved and brought aboard Zr.Ms. Holland.
In total, 511 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated. The suspects and the seized drugs were handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard. The smugglers now face prosecution in the United States.
This latest bust highlights the ongoing collaboration between Dutch and U.S. forces in combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean region.