Prince William Assists in £40M Drug Bust

Barely a week after he joined the HMS Iron Duke, Prince William was able to assist in a high-stakes drug bust on the high seas.

Sub-Lieutenant Wales, as Prince William is known in the Royal Navy, was aboard a Lynx helicopter when a 50ft speedboat near Barbados raised suspicions on Saturday. The small boat was eventually boarded and was found to contain £40million worth of cocaine.

Prince William was no mere spectator during the three-day operation, which was conducted with the U.S. Coast Guard. Reports say that he was able to use his surveillance training to help monitor and eventually capture the boat. The Iron Duke’s Commander Mark Newland praised Prince William’s contribution, saying the royal was not simply along for a ‘joy ride’.

‘Sub-Lt Wales was an integral part of the team and as an Army officer trained in surveillance, added real value to it.

This was a major operation  -  we don’t take people along for joy rides.

The conditions out here are pretty unstable, it’s the start of the hurricane season and it’s been raining heavily with gusts of winds at up to 40 knots. Believe me, it’s not the Channel.

‘That said, Sub-Lt Wales has proved to be a very good sailor with no hint of sea-sickness yet.

Prince William joined the frigate on June 24 for a month-long service. The HMS Iron Duke is tasked to support the UK Overseas Territories and provide aid in the event of a natural disaster.

Photos of the operation at the Daily Mail, including one showing the HMS Iron Duke, the speedboat and the Lynx helicopter.

image used with permission from Newscom.