HNLMS Friesland once again has intercepted another large shipment of drugs in the Caribbean. This occurred during operations on July 11 and August 2. The seizures amounted to nearly 5,800 kilograms of marijuana. The announcement was made today.
The U.S.A Coastguard and the Royal Marine patrol planes of the Coastguard Caribbean region discovered the so-called go-fast in July. After a warning signal, the naval vessel acted immediately. It sent the Frisc interceptors and the US Coast Guard helicopter stationed on board to the smuggling boat. It was forced to stop.
On August 2, it was again a hit. After a short chase by the Frisc’s, the Friesland stopped another drug boat.
Both drug shipments involved marijuana smuggling. The first case involved 4,131 kilos, the second 1,641. The drugs were handed over to the American Coastguard.
HNLMS Friesland has been operating as a station ship in the Caribbean since the end of May. Since then, the navy has intercepted seven drug shipments, totaling over 13,500 kilograms of narcotics.
During counter-narcotics operations, the Dutch Navy alternates with the Caribbean Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard. The station ship is also on standby to provide humanitarian assistance during natural disasters such as hurricanes.
