20 Feb 2014

Trio honoured for role in big drug bust

9:26 pm on 20 February 2014

Three Royal New Zealand Navy sailors have been recognised for their efforts in billion-dollar drug busts and the interception of pirates off the Somali coast.

From left: Leevi Eaton, Sam Martin and Samantha Carter.

From left: Leevi Eaton, Sam Martin and Samantha Carter. Photo: ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Able Seaman Combat Specialist Leevi Eaton, Leading Seaman Hydrographic Technician Sam Martin and Able Seaman Combat Specialist Samantha Carter have spent the last seven months deployed on the HMAS Melbourne.

The Navy says they key members in operations that resulted in the interception of 543kg of heroin and 1951kg of hashish off the coasts of Tanzania and Oman.

In October 2013, they also helped capture nine suspected pirates off the Somali coast.

The three crewed rigid hulled inflatable boats and were responsible for the safe delivery and return of the ship's boarding party onto suspicious vessels.

All have received operational medals in a parade on the Melbourne.

Samuel Martin also received an Australian Defence Force commendation for his exceptional performance as coxswain during his deployment.