PHILIPSBURG:--- On board the Zr.Ms. Groningen, on Monday 8 April, an important milestone was celebrated: the 30years anniversary of the close cooperation between the United States and the Netherlands, in the field of drug control in the Caribbean Region. The jubilee took place in Key West, Florida, where the headquarters of the Joint Inter-Agency Taskforce South (JIATF-S) is located.
JIATF-S is a unique international organization guided by the United States that brings together 19 countries and organizations, such as the FBI and the DEA, in the fight against drug-related battles in the Caribbean region. The Royal Navy plays a crucial role within this organization, which is guided by the United States. The Netherlands has already been forming for 30 years Task Group 4.4 and provides several units for anti-drug operations. As Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean Region (C-ZMCARIB), Commander Walter Hansen guides the task force.
Commander Hansen describes the intensive collaboration as a “good marriage,” whereby the 30-year anniversary marks an important milestone. “Drug transit is a complex problem that requires an international approach”, according to Commander Hansen.
The return of the Zr.Ms. Groningen to the Caribbean Region symbolizes the Netherlands' engagement in the fight against drugs trafficking and cross-border crime. In this way, Defence contributes to peace and security in the Dutch Caribbean Region.
