BRITISH NAVY SHIP HMS Liverpool has been putting a dent in drug running operations in the Caribbean.

The vessel has been in regional waters for the last three months and has seized large shipments of marijuana and cocaine. The first valued at £1.2 million sterling and the latter which sunk, had an estimated street value of £1 million sterling.

The work of the ship in drug fighting is estimated to be about ten per cent.

Lieutenant commander Bruce Finch, the logistics and public relations officer of the vessel, said drug interdiction was among the many functions they performed in the islands.

Charity work and hurricane relief are also high on the agenda.

The vessel, which carries 250 crew and 30 officers, has been working with the French, Dutch and the Regional Security System (RSS).

They have been doing some training and intelligence gathering on this tour.

Lieutenant Andy Searle said the ship could fire up to 100 rounds per minute and was also equipped with missiles.

However, he said force was used only as a last resort.

Captain Gerry Northwood, who has been in the navy for 25 years, said they were working closely with the RSS over the last few weeks and the body was well prepared for its job.

"We are very happy to be out here providing security for the UK overseas territories and in doing that we are also making a contribution to the security of the commonwealth nations as well, being able to act in the event of a hurricane. The fact we are present shows the UK still has an interest in this region," said the captain.

The type 42 destroyer craft will be making its way to Trinidad and then Jamaica before returning to Britain in August.

The ship will be here for ten days, as the crew take a well deserved break.