WILLEMSTAD - The crew of HNLMS Groningen intercepted a drug transport of over 2 tons in the Caribbean. The bust occurred on May 16 but has only now been disclosed.
Two go-fasts were detected by personnel from the Coast Guard's maritime patrol aircraft, prompting the Groningen to take action. The ship set course for the go-fasts and launched the American helicopter and its fast interception boats, carrying the Fleet Marine Squadron and LEDET of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The suspected smugglers did not surrender easily, only giving up after targeted shots were fired at their outboard motors. The four suspects and a total of 2177 kg of cocaine were handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard. The drugs have since been destroyed, and the suspects are being prosecuted in the United States.
HNLMS Groningen has been active in the Caribbean since early April 2024. This is the third intercepted drug transport. The Dutch naval ship is deployed for counter-drug operations, working in alternating cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard.