WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard says it continued transforming into a fully intelligence-driven 24/7 maritime law enforcement organization during 2025, with expanded cooperation across the Caribbean region and internationally.
According to the annual report, the organization increasingly relies on intelligence gathering, information sharing and cooperation with local and international partners to direct operations more effectively.
The Coast Guard described intelligence-led policing as central to its long-term strategy. This includes close collaboration with police forces, customs authorities, defense organizations and foreign governments.
In Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Coast Guard personnel were integrated into special police investigation teams as part of broader border security strengthening efforts.
The report also highlights growing international cooperation with Colombia, France and the United States.
With Colombia, the Coast Guard expanded intelligence-sharing operations and maintained liaison officers both in Curaçao and Cartagena. The cooperation focuses on disrupting organized crime “as close to the source as possible.”
The Coast Guard also confirmed continued operational cooperation with the United States on drug interdiction efforts through the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S).
Meanwhile, France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands reached agreement on a treaty allowing cross-border maritime pursuit operations in territorial waters around the Windward Islands. The agreement is expected to be signed in Sint Maarten in 2026.
The annual report states that the Coast Guard is continuing its transition toward a fully operational 24-hour maritime enforcement organization supported by new technology, upgraded radar systems and expanded staffing.