HNLMS Groningen has intercepted 3 drug shipments in the Caribbean within a week. This has kept a total of 1,653 kilograms of narcotics off the streets. The interceptions date from 4, 5 and 9 April, but have only just been announced. The drug hunter’s job is done. The ship is expected to sail back into the port of Den Helder on Friday.
During the first action on April 4, a patrol aircraft of the Caribbean Coast Guard spotted a suspicious vessel. The NH90 helicopter and 2 fast interceptor boats (Frisc’s) of Zr.Ms. Groningen were immediately deployed. This led to an attempted escape during which packages were thrown overboard. Stop signals and warning shots were ignored. The outboard engines of the go-fast were then shot to pieces from the NH90. The team of the American Coast Guard and the Marine Corps subsequently intercepted 921 kilos of marijuana.
Second and third catch
Less than 24 hours later, another fast smuggling boat was spotted during a patrol. Again, the vessel was forced to stop. During this interception, 342 kilos of cocaine were seized.
In a similar operation on April 9, 145 kilograms of marijuana and 245 kilograms of cocaine were seized. All illegal goods were turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard, which is responsible for further handling of the case.
Station ship
Groningen has been the station ship in the Caribbean since the end of January. Carrying out counter-drug operations is one of the tasks. The naval vessel works alternately with the American Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard. Zr.Ms. Groningen has now intercepted 6 drug transports and with them 5,000 kilos of contraband.