Coast Guard intercepts drug boat heading toward Aruba

ORANJESTAD – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard intercepted a suspicious vessel believed to be transporting drugs toward Aruba after a short pursuit on Thursday evening. Two Venezuelan men were detained and handed over to the Aruba Police Force.

A Coast Guard aircraft first detected the vessel while it was sailing in the direction of Aruba. Two Metal Shark patrol boats were immediately dispatched to investigate.

According to the Coast Guard, the vessel was suspected of carrying narcotics. A short chase followed, during which warning shots were fired to force the captain to stop. The patrol units subsequently intercepted the boat and escorted it to the Coast Guard pier.

At the pier, the two Venezuelan suspects and the seized drugs were transferred to the Aruba Police Force. Authorities said the narcotics have since been destroyed.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not ruled out additional arrests in connection with the case.