Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten not among top five cocaine routes to Netherlands

Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten not among top five cocaine routes to Netherlands

Posted on 9/9/2026, 10:05 AM AST | Updated on 9/9/2026, 10:05 AM AST

WILLEMSTAD — Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are not among the five main transit points for cocaine destined for the Netherlands, according to research on international drug flows presented during the recent Four-Country Judicial Consultation in Curaçao.

Justice ministers said the findings provide a more balanced picture of the Caribbean islands’ role in international cocaine trafficking. Drug enforcement nevertheless remains a priority, with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard continuing operations against narcotics smuggling and illegal migration.

During the consultation, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands also agreed to strengthen cooperation against organized crime, juvenile crime and improve coordination of personnel and resources across the justice system.

Cooperation between the CAS and BES islands on fire services, disaster response and crisis management has also been extended for another three years. The next consultation is scheduled for June 2027 in Bonaire.