Coast Guard intercepted over 11 tonnes of drugs in the Caribbean last year
KRALENDIJK – The Caribbean Coast Guard intercepted over 11,000 kilograms of drugs last year. The seizures consisted of 5,783 kilograms of cocaine and 5,450 kilograms of cannabis. At the same time, the total amount of drugs intercepted declined once again compared to previous peak years. According to the Coast Guard, this is partly due to the Defence station vessel being less available for international drug operations because of tensions surrounding Venezuela.
This is revealed in the 2025 Annual Report of the Coast Guard for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean. In addition to the drug seizures, the Coast Guard encountered 69 undocumented individuals last year. A total of 443 people were rescued across 258 search and rescue incidents. The Coast Guard also recorded 14 fatalities and 38 persons reported missing at sea within its area of responsibility.
Dynamic environment
The organisation describes operating in a “dynamic and challenging environment” in which the geopolitical situation surrounding Venezuela increasingly affected the deployment of personnel and resources. From August onwards, the Defence station vessel for the Caribbean was largely redeployed to monitor the security situation around the ABC islands. As a result, the vessel conducted fewer missions in support of counter-drug operations in international waters.
According to the Coast Guard, that station vessel. in combination with a helicopter, is ordinarily crucial in the fight against international drug trafficking. The vessel has an extensive operational range and advanced sensors for situational awareness and detection.
The annual report notes that the United States significantly increased its military presence in the region through Operation Southern Spear. The Coast Guard explicitly emphasises that it was “in no way” involved in that American military operation targeting drug cartels in the Venezuela region.
Migration flows
Notably, despite the heightened tensions, the Coast Guard did not observe a significant increase in migration flows from Venezuela. According to the organisation, 2025 actually saw a decline in cases involving suspected human smuggling or trafficking. The majority of undocumented individuals encountered did, however, originate from Venezuela.
The Coast Guard also faced operational challenges last year due to staff shortages and ageing equipment. The cutters in particular logged fewer sailing days than planned, owing to a shortage of specialised personnel and additional maintenance requirements on the ageing vessels.
