Monday, 19 September 2016 - 10:55
Dutch, U.S. militaries catch 2,000 kg of cocaine in Caribbean
Dutch and American soldiers aboard the Dutch navy ship Zr. Ms. Groningen intercepted 2 thousand kilograms of cocaine on the Caribbean, naval commander Rob Verkerk said on Twitter on Saturday. The drugs have a street value of about 140 million euros, according to the Telegraaf.
According to Verkerk, five suspects were arrested on board the fishing boat in which the drugs were found. An American patrol plane spotted the fishing boat and notified the Dutch ship, the Ministry of Defense said on Sunday. The five suspects were handed over the U.S. coast guard.
The search for the drugs had to happen quickly, as the fishing boat's engine had failed and the boat was taking on water, according to NU.n. The boat eventually sank, but not before the drugs were found in a hidden compartment.
Zr.Ms. Groningen onderschept 2.000kg cocaïne in Caribisch Gebied. Vijf verdachten overgedragen. Bravo Zulu! #marine pic.twitter.com/9v0PGECm8C
— René Tas (@admiraalTas) September 18, 2016