Dutch OPV nabs 406 kilos of cocaine in Caribbean Sea

The Royal Netherlands Navy offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Friesland has seized 406 kilos of cocaine from a vessel in a joint operation with the Sint Maarten coast guard.

The drugs were seized on Thursday after a suspect vessel was spotted by Friesland’s NH90 helicopter.

According to the Dutch Navy, the intercepted vessel attracted attention due to its odd position and sailing behavior.

Upon noticing the helicopter, the crew of the smuggling vessel started jettisoning packages overboard. The packages were picked up by the crew of the Holland-class OPV and were confirmed to contain cocaine. All of the seized drugs were subsequently destroyed.

HNLMS Friesland is currently stationed in the Caribbean on a rotational deployment to Dutch overseas territories where it will stay until the end of November. In addition to drug control operations, the ship is also responsible for rescue operations and humanitarian aid.