ORANJESTAD – The Dutch naval vessel HNLMS Friesland has intercepted a second drug shipment in the Caribbean Sea within one week while operating under the flag of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
The latest interception took place on Sunday, April 26, after a suspicious drug boat was detected by the Coast Guard’s Dash-8 surveillance aircraft during a maritime patrol operation.
Following the sighting, HNLMS Friesland immediately launched its two fast interception craft, known as FRISCs, to pursue and stop the vessel.
According to authorities, the operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects who were onboard the drug boat.
The suspects, along with the seized narcotics, were transferred to the Korps Politie Aruba at the Coast Guard support base in Savaneta for further investigation and legal processing.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the type or quantity of drugs seized.
The interception marks the second successful anti-drug operation by HNLMS Friesland in less than a week.
Earlier, the vessel intercepted another drug transport in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of narcotics that were later destroyed.
The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard said the back-to-back operations highlight the importance of regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking across Caribbean waters.
The Caribbean remains a key transit route for narcotics trafficking from South America to North America and Europe, making maritime surveillance and interdiction a critical part of regional security efforts.
The Coast Guard works closely with naval forces, police services and international partners to disrupt smuggling routes and strengthen maritime security.
Authorities say investigations into the latest interception are ongoing.