During eight different operations in the Caribbean Sea, authorities in the Netherlands, Colombia and the United States intercepted 9.7 tons of cocaine. The drug was destined for the United States and Europe and, according to the Colombian authorities, has a public value of 327 million dollars (310 million euros).
A total of fifteen people of different nationalities were arrested. It is not yet known to which authorities they were handed over.
In one of the operations, a shipment of more than 5 tons of cocaine was intercepted in the territorial waters of Aruba, Colombian media reported. The party floated on the water and is said to have traveled to the Dominican Republic, a cocaine transfer point. Four other operations targeted fast motorboats.
In the Caribbean, several agencies work together in the investigation of drug crimes. The Dutch Royal Navy has been involved in international cooperation for many years. In 2022, according to the Colombian authorities, 109 tons of cocaine have already been intercepted by international cooperation.