In cooperation with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard, HNLMS Friesland has intercepted 4,200 kilograms of narcotics in the Caribbean Sea. This interception took place on Saturday, October 31.
Early on the morning of Saturday, October 31, a Dash 8 patrol aircraft belonging to the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard spotted a suspicious vessel. HNLMS Friesland responded by deploying its two fast interceptor boats (FRISCs). These were crewed by a team from HNLMS Friesland, the Maritime Security Squadron, and military personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The suspicious vessel ignored multiple commands to stop, as well as warning shots. Through the actions of the FRISCs, the U.S. Coast Guard team was able to board the vessel quickly. The drugs and the suspects have since been handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard for further disposition.
Since September, HNLMS Friesland has served as the station ship for the Caribbean region. Its duties include conducting counter-narcotics operations. With this the HNLMS Friesland works in rotation with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. Furthermore, the ship remains on standby to provide humanitarian aid in the event of natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
