HNLMS Friesland intercepts over 4,200 kg of drugs
HNLMS Friesland, in cooperation with the Caribbean Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard, intercepted 4,200 kilograms of narcotics in the Caribbean Sea. This interception took place on Saturday, October 31.
In the early morning of Saturday, October 31, Dash 8, the patrol aircraft of the Caribbean Coast Guard, spotted a suspicious vessel. HNLMS Friesland took action and dispatched her two fast interceptor boats (FRISCs) to the scene. They were manned by a team from HNLMS Friesland, the Maritime Security Squadron, and personnel from the US Coast Guard.
The suspicious vessel ignored multiple stop signals and warning shots. However, thanks to the actions of the FRISCs, the US Coast Guard team was able to quickly board the vessel. The drugs and the suspects have since been handed over to the US Coast Guard.
HNLMS Friesland has been the station ship for the Caribbean since September. Conducting counter-drug operations is among the ship’s duties. In this regard, HNLMS Friesland works alternately with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard. Additionally, the ship is on standby to provide humanitarian aid in the event of natural disasters, such as hurricanes.