On Monday March 4 2013 the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard intercepted a so called "go-fast" in open seas about 400 miles south of Sint Maarten. The "go-fast" was heading North and was cut off by the Royal Netherlands Navy patrol vessel "Friesland" which was guided and supported by the DASH 8 reconnaissance aircraft of the Coast Guard.
Two on board interception sea craft (FRISCS) were launched and took care of the interception during which several warning shots were fired.
On board of the go-fast the Coast Guard found 51 bales with a white substance which after testing turned out to be cocaine. The three male crew members were arrested and taken on board. According to their information two of them were born in the Dominican Republic and are 29 and 34 years old. The third suspect claims to be born in Venezuela and is 33 years old.
The drugs and the boat were seized. After weighing the total amount of the seized drugs was 1.453 kilos (gross). This is the largest drugs seizure by the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard ever.
Tuesday afternoon upon arrival in Sint Maarten the suspects were handed over to the local Police who will take care of the case and do the further investigation. The suspects were taken into custody and will be questioned.The drugs have been destroyed.
The three will be led before the investigating magistrate on Thursday afternoon.
Investigation has shown that the go-fast was not destined for Sint Maarten but on its way from the South American continent towards islands North of Sint Maarten. Given the intervention by the Coast Guard and upon their request, Sint Maarten law enforcement agencies, in view of international obligations, decided to show their willingness to investigate and prosecute this case by claiming jurisdiction. By doing so Sint Maarten has shown to be a reliable partner in the fight against international drugs trafficking organizations.