News item | 14-04-2022 | 15:20
Sr.Ms. Friesland has made 3 new drug seizures in the Caribbean, good for approximately 1,900 kilos. Since the beginning of this year, the Dutch naval vessel has intercepted contraband 7 times. The total catch stands at 3,880 kilos and 21 suspects have been arrested.
In the first 2 captures, a suspicious go-fast was discovered by a Dominican Republic and US Coast Guard patrol aircraft. An American patrol plane spotted the 3e go fast.
De Friesland then came into action and deployed the fast interceptor vessel FRISC. On board was a combined team of the ship’s crew, the US Coast Guard and the Dutch Fleet Marine Squadron. They managed to figure out the go-fasts every time.
The suspects managed to throw their goods overboard during the first 2 interceptions. It could then be fished out of the water. That was not necessary with the third action. The smugglers were arrested with their goods. All suspects have been arrested and handed over to US authorities.
station ship
The Friesland has been the station ship in the Caribbean since January 2022. Carrying out counter drug operations is one of the tasks. This also applies to supporting the Caribbean Coast Guard. These tasks will soon be taken over by Zr.Ms. Groningen.