St Kitts Nevis Defence Force and Dutch Navy Joint Maritime Interdiction Operation Successful

Basseterre, St.Kitts, Sunday September 2, 2012: A joint maritime anti-narcotics operation between the St Kitts Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard and the Dutch Navy Frigate HR.MS. TROMP (F- 803) on 1st September 2012, resulted in the interception and detention of the SV Vessel SINESTRA PROVE.

The joint patrol was being conducted in the Federation waters when the white sailing vessel was seen. The crew of the SINESTRA PROVE was soon observed to be jettisoning bags into the sea. The naval/coast guard vessels closed with the yacht and recovered the bags from the water. The SINESTRA PROVE was then escorted to the St Kitts Nevis Coast Guard Base at Bird Rock, where it was boarded and a thorough search conducted in conjunction with the St Kitts and Nevis Custom Department.

The six (6) bags recovered from the sea were opened and in each was found 20 packages (3 inches thick and 12 inches in length) of a white substance which an initial field test proved positive as cocaine. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) packages were seized.

Members of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force Drug Squad were also present at the SKNDFCG Base and conducted the initial on scene routine procedures necessary for future legal action.

The SINESTRA PROVE, a 15.30 Meters or 46 Feet long white sailing yacht registered in Cardiff, Wales had two St Lucia nationals on board namely Vincent Clerice the owner and captain of the vessel and crewman Nixon Alexander. Both men and the 120 packages of cocaine were handed over to the Police.

The SKNDF wishes to express sincere gratitude to the crew of the HR.MS. TROMP for their cooperation and support during the anti-narcotics operation. Once again St Kitts Nevis has demonstrated its resolve in ensuring the security of our beautiful twin island Federation and the region at large; and will continue its security cooperation initiatives with other Caribbean nations, as well Holland, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France.