HNLMS Groningen already during the first patrol week in the Caribbean Region, has made a major drug bust. The Marine ship intercepted almost 3.000 kg. cocaine in the Caribbean Sea after an intensive persecution on February 2nd. In so doing the engine of the drug boat was destroyed by shots. 5 smugglers have been arrested. That was announced today.
One day before the catch the Coastguard Caribbean Region saw a suspicious boat on the coast radar. HNLMS Groningen came into action together with the Coast Guard patrol aircraft and headed towards the vessel. However, after a long nighttime chase, the boat managed to escape.
HNLMS Groningen did not give up and chose for tactical positioning. With success. The next morning the vessel appeared on the radar of the Marine Ship. The NH90 on-board helicopter and the FRISC fast interceptor boats were then deployed.
They too were unable to stop the smugglers without a battle. The suspects ignored stop signs and even warning shots from the FRISCs. Ultimately, the NH90 brought the drug boat to a standstill by disabling the engines with targeted shots. In addition to the 5 smugglers, there were no fewer than 94 packages of cocaine on board, amounting to a total of 2,820 kilos.
The suspects and the drugs were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Station ship
HNLMS Groningen since January has been the Marine ship stationed in the Caribbean Region. the Marine ship labors during counter-drug operations alternately with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coastguard Caribbean Region.
