BOGOTA – Colombian authorities have arrested two Dutch nationals suspected of involvement in an international cocaine trafficking network that allegedly transported drugs from South America to Europe, with Curaçao identified as a transit point in some of the shipments. The arrests coincide with a separate major anti-drug operation in which Colombian police intercepted 7.6 metric tons of cocaine destined for the Netherlands.
The two suspects, identified in Colombian media as Ronny Haleber and Ulrich Van Dinter, were arrested in Medellín and Cali following an international investigation involving Colombian authorities, Dutch law enforcement agencies, and Interpol.
According to the Dutch National Police, the suspects are 36 and 65 years old and are believed to have been involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking for several years. The arrests took place on October 16 and 19, 2026, at the request of the Netherlands.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities are examining electronic devices seized during the arrests.
Curaçao Mentioned in Suspected Smuggling Route
One of the most significant details for Curaçao emerged from information released by Colombian prosecutors and reported by Colombian media.
According to the investigation, Haleber allegedly helped coordinate the transportation of cocaine from Cali to the Colombian Pacific port of Buenaventura, where the drugs were concealed inside shipping containers destined for the Netherlands and Belgium.
Colombian authorities indicated that some of these shipments traveled through Curaçao before reaching Europe.
The Colombian newspaper El Colombiano reported that the suspected trafficking operation used commercial shipping routes connecting Colombia with European destinations, with Curaçao mentioned as an intermediate transit point.
However, authorities have not disclosed how many shipments allegedly passed through Curaçao, whether the containers were unloaded on the island, or whether local individuals or companies were involved.
There has also been no public announcement of arrests in Curaçao connected to this investigation.
Suspects Allegedly Had Different Roles
Investigators believe the two men performed different functions within the suspected trafficking network.
According to Dutch police, the 36-year-old suspect was allegedly directly involved in loading shipping containers and selling cocaine.
The 65-year-old suspect is believed to have handled administrative arrangements involving cover cargo used to conceal illegal drug shipments.
Colombian authorities further allege that one of the suspects facilitated the concealment of cocaine among legitimate goods passing through ports and airports.
Investigators suspect that the two men served as intermediaries between European criminal organizations and Colombian drug trafficking groups.
The arrests followed international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, including the use of Interpol notices.
Colombian authorities are taking steps related to possible extradition, although Dutch prosecutors said that a formal extradition request had not yet been submitted and that a decision on extradition remained pending.
Separate Operation Uncovers 7.6 Tons of Cocaine Destined for Netherlands
In a separate development, Colombian authorities announced the seizure of approximately 7.6 metric tons of cocaine at the port of Cartagena.
The shipment was reportedly destined for the Netherlands and had been concealed in a cargo containing powdered panela, a traditional unrefined sugar product made from sugarcane.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella described the operation as the largest cocaine seizure recorded at the port of Cartagena in the past ten years.
The drugs were discovered by Colombia's National Police through its Anti-Narcotics Directorate, working in coordination with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to Colombian government information released on October 16, the shipment represented more than 19 million potential doses of cocaine, with an estimated value exceeding 42 billion Colombian pesos.
Authorities said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks and prevent narcotics from reaching European markets.
No Confirmed Connection Between Arrests and Major Seizure
Although the arrests and the Cartagena cocaine seizure were announced within days of each other, authorities have not established a connection between the two investigations.
The Dutch suspects are being investigated for their alleged involvement in cocaine trafficking through international commercial shipments, while the Cartagena seizure concerns a separate shipment intercepted by Colombian authorities.
The Netherlands remains an important destination for cocaine trafficked from South America, with international criminal organizations attempting to exploit legitimate maritime trade routes.
For Curaçao, the reference to the island in the Colombian investigation raises questions about the use of Caribbean ports and shipping connections in international drug trafficking operations.
However, the information currently available does not establish that the drugs were handled by companies or individuals in Curaçao or that the island was the final destination of any shipment.
International Investigation Continues
Dutch authorities have emphasized the importance of cooperation with Colombia in combating organized crime operating across international borders.
According to the Dutch National Police, six men had already been arrested in Colombia since February 2026 in investigations conducted under the authority of the Dutch National Public Prosecutor's Office.
The latest arrests demonstrate the continued efforts of Dutch and Colombian authorities to identify suspects operating outside the Netherlands while allegedly coordinating drug shipments destined for European markets.
Investigators are continuing to analyze seized evidence, and further developments are expected as the cases progress.
The two arrested men remain suspects, and the allegations against them have not yet been established by a court.