Sailor Liam witness to drug haul drama

The frigate HMS Cumberland was in the western Caribbean when it was sent to intercept a 'go fast' -- a speed boat involved in drug trafficking.

The crew of the Cumberland worked with helicopters to track the boat, which attempted to outrun the Navy and US Coast Guard. But 100 miles off Nicaragua, the boat was caught with two tons of the Class A drug on board.

Weapon Engineer Submariner (WSM) Liam Connell, 23, of Great Harwood, was serving on board the Cumberland, which is based in Devonport when not on operations.

Liam, a former pupil of Norden High School, Rishton, is a trained submariner, but is currently one of 250 crew on board the Cumberland where his duties include maintaining and firing the ship's small calibre weapons.

The sailor, whose two brothers are also in the Royal Navy, was said to be 'thrilled' to be involved in the chase, last month.

The HMS Cumberland is operating in the Caribbean for four months, carrying out counter-drugs operations and Hurricane relief work. She will return to the UK this month.

Captain Simon Ancona, the commanding officer of HMS Cumberland, said: "The operation was a success and I am pleased that HMS Cumberland is involved in the international fight against drugs. Operations like these send a strong message that governments, agencies and armed forces worldwide will work together in a determined effort to counter drug running."

After the capture of the drug runners, the ship and its crew was praised by John Reid, the Secretary of State for Defence. He said: "This is a great success for the Royal Navy. Drugs are a scourge of civilised society, crippling the lives of millions around the world.

"Taking the fight to those who defy the international community is as vital now as it has ever been. For that reason, I pay tribute to the crew of HMS Cumberland, whose professionalism and commitment to the task has dealt a sledgehammer blow to the drug traffickers."