WILLEMSTAD - Defense intercepted two drug transports in the Caribbean at the end of April. In both cases, go-fasts were detected by a US patrol aircraft, after which the Zr.Ms. Groningen took action.
The navy ship headed towards the go-fasts and launched its fast interception boats with the Fleet Marine Squadron and LEDET of the US Coast Guard on board.
During the first action, the suspects did not surrender easily. It only happened after warning shots were fired. In the second action, this was not necessary. Four suspects and a total of 1072 kg of cocaine were handed over to the US Coast Guard. The drugs have since been destroyed, and the suspects are being prosecuted in the United States.
Since the beginning of April 2024, the Groningen has been active again in the Caribbean. The Dutch navy ship is used, among other things, for counter-narcotics operations in alternating cooperation with the US Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard.