On June 14, HNLMS Friesland once again intercepted a drug shipment in the Caribbean Sea. Following a pursuit, the Royal Netherlands Navy vessel seized 511 kilograms of cocaine and detained six smugglers.
The action began when a suspicious vessel was detected using radar systems. HNLMS Friesland immediately responded by launching its fast interceptor boats (Friscs) and initiating a pursuit together with a helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard. Onboard the Friscs were combined teams consisting of Royal Netherlands Navy crew members and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard. The so-called “go-fast” vessel ignored repeated calls to stop. During the dangerous chase, the smugglers performed evasive maneuvers and jettisoned packages overboard. Precision shots at the vessel from the helicopter ultimately brought the go-fast to a halt.
A total of 19 packages of cocaine were recovered from the water, amounting to a combined weight of 511 kilograms.
Since the end of May, HNLMS Friesland has served as the Royal Netherlands Navy’s station ship in the Caribbean region. Conducting counter-narcotics operations is one of its key tasks. In this capacity, the vessel alternates cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. In addition, the ship remains ready to provide humanitarian assistance, such as during natural disasters like hurricanes.
