The Royal Netherlands Navy vessel HNLMS Holland had two major drug interceptions in the night of June 10th. On the Caribbean Sea, the navy vessel succeeded in stopping a so-called go-fast twice.
Both the drug interceptions took place only a short amount of time after each other. With the first chase the two fast interception boats of HNLMS Holland, the FRISC’s, came into action. According to the normal procedures the go-fast requested to stop. Only after multiple warning shots, the vessel was with direct fire on the outer engines forced to stop.
The three crew members carried a semi-automatic weapon with them. Also, more than 700 KG of cocaine was found onboard. A large part was thrown overboard and could be regained later by the FRISC. From the three persons on the go-fast two have the Dominican nationality and one the Colombian nationality.
Double strike
Shortly after the first seizure, HNLMS Holland encountered a second go-fast. In the early morning, a second chase began. This vessel too neglected demands to stop, and again it was necessary to give warning shots. Eventually, the NH90-maritime attack helicopter fired on the outer engines to make the go-fast stop.
Hereafter HNLMS Holland was able with both the FRISC’s, manned by a combined team of Dutch marines and US Coast Guard, to arrest the three persons on board, and regain the drugs from the water. This second seizure contained approximately 585 KG of cocaine. All three persons have Venezuelan nationality.
For safety purposes, all suspects were taken on board of HNLMS Holland. The suspects and the contraband were later transferred to a ship of the United States Coast Guard.
Constitutional tasks
HNLMS Holland has been the new West Indies Guard Ship since May 21. The navy vessel is very well equipped for counterdrug operations. The upholding of international law is one of the constitutional tasks of the Dutch armed forces.
