WILLEMSTAD - On April 18, a significant drug bust took place in the Caribbean Sea, thanks to the efforts of the Dutch Coast Guard vessel Zr.Ms. Holland. The ship's crew intercepted a go-fast, which is a small, high-speed craft commonly used by drug smugglers. The two fast interceptors of the Dutch Fleet Marine Squadron on board the Zr.Ms. Holland were launched to pursue and stop the suspected vessel.
Once the interceptors caught up with the go-fast, the crew of Zr.Ms. Holland ordered the suspects to stop, and they surrendered without resistance. However, before the stop, the suspects had thrown some of the contraband overboard. Thankfully, the Coast Guard was able to recover the packages from the water. The total weight of the confiscated cocaine was estimated to be around 850 kilos.
After the arrests, the three suspects and the drugs were turned over to the Aruba Police Force, with the help of a Coast Guard patrol boat. The seized drugs were then destroyed.
The interception of the go-fast and the subsequent drug seizure is a significant win for the Coast Guard and highlights the effectiveness of the Zr.Ms. Holland in tackling drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea. The drug trade is a major issue in the region, and the Dutch Coast Guard, along with other international agencies, is committed to combating it.
The success of this operation is a testament to the training and skills of the Zr.Ms. Holland's crew, who are committed to protecting the citizens and interests of the Netherlands and the wider international community. The Dutch Coast Guard remains vigilant and ready to respond to any further threats posed by drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea.
