WILLEMSTAD - The Royal Netherlands Navy has intercepted a drug boat for the fifth time in four weeks, seizing nearly 3,000 kilograms of narcotics. The operation took place on Tuesday, September 24, but has only now been disclosed. Five crew members aboard the intercepted vessel have been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.
In the early hours of September 24, a patrol aircraft from the Caribbean Coast Guard spotted a suspicious vessel near the ABC islands. The Dutch Navy ship Zr.Ms. Holland, which serves as a station ship in the region, immediately responded. With the help of its fast interception vessels, the drug boat was stopped through targeted shots at the engines.
Onboard, authorities found a large quantity of drugs: nearly 1,900 kilograms of cocaine and 420 kilograms of marijuana. The five crew members were arrested and, along with the drugs, handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard, which will handle prosecution in the United States.
Since the Holland began its mission in the Caribbean in early September, it has worked closely with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard. In just one month, the ship has intercepted over 7,750 kilograms of drugs.