Royal Navy warship seizes nearly £17m of cocaine in two raids in Caribbean Sea
The Royal Navy's HMS Trent has successfully seized two shipments of drugs with a street value of £16.7m in the Caribbean.
The seizures included cocaine and other drugs which were taken from traffickers during two separate raids. British sailors, Royal Marines and the US Coast Guard were involved in the operation.
The Commanding Officer of HMS Trent praised the work of his crew and pointed out that operations like these will 'disrupt criminal networks in the UK'.
Commander Tim Langford said: "The flexibility shown by my ship's company to move straight from high-level defence engagement activity in Martinique straight into successful boarding operations is a testament to their dedication and professionalism.
"The level of cooperation between the Royal Navy, US Coast Guard and other partners has been excellent and has been key to making these seizures possible.
"These successful interceptions not only disrupt criminal networks in the UK but also underscore the Royal Navy's vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law in the region."
During one of the missions, HMS Trent intercepted a smuggling speedboat after it left port on the island of Martinique.
The criminals were detained by members of 47 Commando.
Less than two days later, whilst working with a US Coast Guard patrol aircraft, HMS Trent intercepted another speedboat.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "These interceptions demonstrate the Royal Navy's commitment to disrupt and dismantle the operations of drug traffickers across the world.
"I congratulate the ship's company for their invaluable efforts to keep illegal drugs off our streets."
So far in 2024, HMS Trent has seized more than £290m worth of cocaine and other drugs in the Caribbean.
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