25 August 2024 , 20:46
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HMS Trent, a British warship, seized over £40 million worth of cocaine from drug traffickers in the Caribbean, according to the Royal Navy.
The vessel confiscated half a tonne (506 kg) of the Class A drug from a speed boat around 120 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic earlier this month. This operation brings HMS Trent’s total drug seizures for the year to nearly seven tonnes, with an estimated street value of £551 million from six busts.
Pic: Royal Navy
Royal Marines and US Coast Guard boarded the smugglers’ boat, supported by a US Maritime Patrol Aircraft flying overhead.
The smugglers threw their cargo overboard, but all contraband was seized and three smugglers were handed over to US authorities for prosecution, along with the drugs.
HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford, said: "This successful operation with our American partners demonstrates HMS Trent’s ability to support trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea."
"Every member of my team can be proud of another significant haul - the sixth this year."
The Royal Navy said in a statement the latest seizure underscores its "vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law both at home and abroad".
"HMS Trent has now seized 6,995kg of drugs in 2024 as part of this multinational effort, working closely with the US Coast Guard and the Joint Interagency Task Force (South)," it added.
The ship will stay in the Caribbean during hurricane season (June to November) "to stem the flow of illegal cargo through the region", the Navy said.
Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard said: "We are sending a clear message to drug traffickers that nowhere is safe and we will disrupt and dismantle their operations wherever they are in the world."