Prince William was involved in a £40 million drugs bust with the Royal Navy.
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The future king was the look-out for a Lynx helicopter crew who were chasing five smugglers travelling in a speedboat with their cocaine haul off the coast of Barbados.
Once the royal had located the speedboat, British sailors and the US Coast Guard on the frigate were able to intercept the drug runners and retrieve nearly a ton of cocaine on Saturday (28.06.08).
Commander Mark Newland said of William: “This is a young man who has three, four years of professional military experience behind him.
“He acts as I would expect a young officer of his experience and maturity to act in this type of operation. I am immensely proud of everyone’s efforts.”
William, who is spending five weeks on the Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke, was also involved in planning the operation.
The 50ft powerboat was believed to be heading to Europe or West Africa. US officials have detained the five suspects and handed them over to authorities in Venezuela.
The 26-year-old prince, who is known as Sub Lt Wales in the military, is said to have thoroughly enjoyed the mission.
A source said: “This is the closest William will ever get to the action. He really enjoyed the buzz of being involved in the front-line fight against the drug barons.”
