WILLEMSTAD - The Dutch navy ship Zr.Ms. Groningen has intercepted three drug shipments in the span of just one week, seizing more than 1,600 kilograms of narcotics. The interceptions, which occurred on April 4, 5, and 9, were only recently made public. 

The first operation involved a patrol aircraft from the Coast Guard spotting a suspicious vessel. The deployment of interception boats led to an attempted escape, during which packages were thrown overboard. The engines of the "go-fast" boat were subsequently shot out. The joint effort of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Dutch Marines resulted in the seizure of 921 kilograms of marijuana. 

Less than 24 hours later, another fast-smuggling boat was spotted during a patrol. After forcing the boat to stop, 342 kilograms of cocaine were seized in this interception. 

A similar operation on April 9 led to the confiscation of 145 kilograms of marijuana and 245 kilograms of cocaine. All illegal substances were handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Since late January, Zr.Ms. Groningen has been stationed in the Caribbean, where conducting counter-drug operations is one of its primary duties. The ship has been working alternately with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard. To date, Zr.Ms. Groningen has intercepted over 5,000 kilograms of drugs across six separate operations.