Kingdom justice ministers deepen cooperation on drugs, youth crime and crisis response

WILLEMSTAD — The justice ministers of Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands have agreed on several measures to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement, crime prevention and public safety across the Kingdom.

During the Judicial Four-Country Consultation (JVO) in Curaçao, the four countries discussed drug trafficking, organized crime, youth crime, justice-system capacity and crisis management.

On drug enforcement, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard presented recent developments concerning drug interceptions and migration. The ministers also discussed international trafficking routes and the position of the Caribbean countries within those networks. Research presented during the meeting indicated that the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom are not among the five most important transit countries for cocaine destined for the Netherlands.

Youth crime was also a priority. The four countries agreed to jointly organize an academic conference focused on preventing and responding to juvenile crime.

Cooperation against organized and undermining crime will continue, with greater emphasis on building a clearer picture of criminal activity and involving national agencies in administrative measures against criminal networks.

The countries will also continue using a justice capacity imbalance monitor to identify shortages in personnel and resources that could hinder implementation of agreements within the justice chain.

In addition, the CAS-BES cooperation agreement on fire services, disaster response and crisis management will be extended for another three years. The next JVO is scheduled for June 2027 on Bonaire.