Will the UK Navy and the US Coast Guard become more active in combatting drug boats as they speed towards Dominican coasts to unload their cargo. The DR is a major transshipment post with recent evidence of drug networks set up to use ports and airports.
The Dominican National Drug Control (DNCD) has not reported on a recent bust by a joint effort of the United Kingdom Royal Navy ships and US Coast Guard ships patrolling in the Caribbean near Dominican coasts.
What is known is that on 28 October 2022, The United Kingdom Royal Navy warship and Caribbean-based patrol ship HMS Medway and her embarked US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment spotted the vessel near the Dominican Republic with the help from a patrol aircraft.
As reported, following a tense chase, the vessel was boarded and the drugs discovered. Three crew members were detained.
“To secure an interdiction on our first day dedicated to this type of operation in this period has been tremendous,” said Commander Chris Hollingworth, Commanding Officer of Medway.
“Everyone involved demonstrated their professionalism during a challenging pursuit. It might be the first, but we’re going to make sure that it won’t be the last, and I speak on behalf of everyone here in saying this has galvanised our determination to succeed.”
The boat contained several large packages which were quickly confirmed as being cocaine prior to being seized and brought aboard the warship.
It’s believed the boat had come from South America, a common route taken by smugglers at this time of year.
After an overnight operation to secure the contraband – estimated by the National Crime Agency to be worth around £24m, had those drugs reached the streets of the UK – and detain the crew, the vessel was sunk by Medway’s gunnery team.
The destruction of the drugs smuggling vessel, which is normal for this type of operation, ensures it is no longer used for illegal activity while also providing valuable gunnery training.
The Medway had been in the area to assist with relief operations in Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos due to Hurricane Ian and Fiona.
“It’s a perfect example of Medway’s versatility, and demonstrates my team’s ability to shift from Disaster Relief Operations to Counter Illicit Trafficking Operations without missing a beat,” added Cdr Hollingworth.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the collective effort of my ship’s company and our colleagues from the US Coast Guard for their proactive attitude and total commitment to the task.”
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UK Royal Navy
Corrupcion al Desnudo
7 November 2022