On Monday night, the Organized Crime Department, working with the San Nicolas Police, arrested two individuals and seized a large shipment of drugs from a vehicle.
The operation began when a Dash-8 aircraft from Wardacosta, part of Caribbean Netherlands Air, detected a boat off the north coast of Aruba. The information was relayed to personnel at the MOC center, who quickly mobilized a Metal Shark vessel to the area.
At the same time, the Police were notified, as there were concerns that the boat, having recently dropped off the drugs, had been abandoned. The Metal Shark vessel reached the boat and boarded it, finding it empty. However, there were signs that it had been used to transport people and items.
The Police Central Division then informed the Organized Crime Department, and a team, in cooperation with the San Nicolas Police, began working in the area to prevent anyone from fleeing. It was here that a suspicious vehicle was spotted. The officers initiated a stop, but the vehicle fled, leading to a chase.
The pursuit continued and ended at the Juana Morto area, where the car’s doors opened, and three individuals inside fled in different directions. The Police chased two of the suspects but briefly lost sight of them.
The Police received reinforcements from the Organized Crime Department and initiated a thorough search for the fugitives. With the help of a Wardacosta helicopter equipped with sophisticated gear, two suspects were located shortly after.
The two Venezuelan nationals were arrested, but the third suspect was not found.
Upon searching the vehicle, the Police found numerous drug packages, which were confiscated, along with the vehicle. The type and weight of the drugs have not been disclosed, though this remains an important piece of information. The Organized Crime Department continues its tireless efforts to combat drug trafficking into the island.
The Aruba Police Department urges the community to report any suspicious activity by calling the Police Tipline at 111-41.
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