The Dutch navy intercepted almost a thousand kilos of cocaine in the Caribbean on Sunday 11 and Monday 12 September, the Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday.
The Dutch naval ship Zr.Ms. In both cases, Groningen was informed by an American patrol aircraft. There was also a delegation from the US Coast Guard on board the Dutch naval ship. During the first action, the suspects only surrendered after firing warning shots.
The suspects and 985 kilos of drugs have been handed over to the Americans. They take charge of the prosecution of the suspects. It has not been announced how many suspects are involved and where they come from.
Anti-drug operations
The Groningen has been stationed in the Caribbean since May 2023 and is deployed there, among other things, in anti-drug operations. In July, the ship, together with the coast guard, intercepted a drug shipment of 1,600 kilos of cocaine.