WILLEMSTAD – In a major anti-drug operation in the Caribbean, the Dutch Navy has intercepted over 3,000 kilograms of narcotics. The interception occurred within the first hour of deployment by the naval ship Zr.Ms. Friesland, which stopped a fast-moving smuggling vessel south of the ABC Islands. 

The operation took place on May 29, after a patrol aircraft from the Caribbean Coast Guard spotted a suspicious boat at sea. Zr.Ms. Friesland responded swiftly by dispatching two high-speed interceptor boats (FRISCs) to pursue the target. A high-speed chase ensued. 

During the pursuit, the suspects aboard the vessel began throwing large quantities of drugs overboard. The Navy managed to recover over 100 packages from the water, totaling 1,837 kilos of cocaine and 1,173 kilos of marijuana. The seized narcotics have since been handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Commander Kirsten Gouw-Savelberg of Zr.Ms. Friesland praised the mission as a clear example of fast and effective cooperation. “This operation highlights the strong coordination between our marines, the Coast Guard, and international partners,” she stated. 

Zr.Ms. Friesland has been operating in the Caribbean since May 23 as the Dutch Defense station ship. It is tasked with conducting counter-narcotics missions and providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters such as hurricanes. The ship works in close coordination with the Caribbean Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.