Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provincien, intercepted more than 320 kilo of drugs last week in het middle of the Caribbean Sea, between Venezuela and Jamaica. This action took place in the framework of the international counter-drugs operation Carib Venture, led by the Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean.
After receiving a notification of a patrol aircraft of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard of a suspect ‘go-fast’, HNLMS Zeven Provinciën sailed to the designated location for interception. The Belgian helicopter Alouette III, was launched to detect and stop the suspicious vessel.
Upon arrival of the frigate, the crew of the go-fast surrendered. The packages that were thrown overboard, were taken out of the water by the crew of HNLMS De Zeven Provincien. A combination of marihuana, hash and MDMA (to make XTC) was found in them. The US Law Enforcement Detachment that is embarked on the Dutch warship, took the suspect crew into custody.
This is the fourth interception by HNLMS De Zeven Provincien. Earlier this year they intercepted 850 kg cocaine and 400 kg marihuana.