British Navy Seizes £17m Worth of Drugs in Caribbean Operations
LONDON — In a daring display of maritime prowess, British sailors, Royal Marines, and a US Coast Guard team aboard HMS Trent intercepted a smuggling speedboat in the Caribbean Sea.
Successful Drug Busts by HMS Trent
The Royal Navy has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, seizing nearly £17m worth of drugs in two successful operations carried out by HMS Trent in the Caribbean Sea.
Defense Secretary Commends Navy’s Efforts
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps applauded the Navy’s dedication to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking operations, emphasizing the importance of such missions in safeguarding the region.
Swift Action Leads to Major Seizures
British sailors, Royal Marines, and a US Coast Guard team aboard HMS Trent sprang into action immediately after a port visit to Martinique, intercepting a smuggling speedboat and seizing 200kg of cocaine and other drugs with an estimated street value of £16.7 million.
Coordinated Efforts Key to Success
Commanding Officer Tim Langford highlighted the exceptional cooperation between the Royal Navy, US Coast Guard, and other partners, underscoring the importance of collaboration in making these successful drug seizures possible.
HMS Trent’s Ongoing Mission
Since its deployment to the Caribbean in late 2023, HMS Trent has seized drugs worth £307m, showcasing its vital role in maritime security and border patrols in the region.
Multi-Purpose Role of HMS Trent
While primarily tasked with combatting piracy and smuggling, protecting fisheries, and conducting counterterrorism operations, HMS Trent also plays a crucial role in defense diplomacy and providing humanitarian aid in times of crisis.
Source: BBC
