ORANJESTAD – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard intercepted a vessel near Aruba on Thursday evening after a Coast Guard aircraft detected a suspicious contact heading toward the island.
Following the sighting, the Coast Guard immediately deployed two Metal Shark patrol boats to intercept the vessel.
The boat was suspected of transporting narcotics. When the captain failed to stop, a short pursuit followed. Warning shots were fired in an effort to force the vessel to halt.
The Coast Guard eventually intercepted the boat and escorted it to the Coast Guard pier in Aruba.
Two Venezuelan men who were on board were detained and handed over to the Aruba Police Force, along with the drugs found on the vessel.
Authorities said the narcotics have since been destroyed.
The Aruba Police Force is continuing its investigation into the case and has not ruled out additional arrests.
