In just two interdictions conducted in the Caribbean the French Navy managed to stop over 1,6 tons of drugs from reaching the streets.
In an operation conducted on the night of September 30 – October 1, 2015, FS Ventôse, French frigate on patrol in the Caribbean, seized a total of 800 kg of marijuana from a go-fast vessel en route to Guadeloupe. The operation was conducted with the help of Canadian Armed Forces’ maritime patrol aircraft.
Thirty three bales of marijuana found aboard the vessel were transported to the Caribbean French national office against drugs trafficking (OCRTIS) to be destroyed on October 1, 2015. Officials arrested four suspected drug traffickers and placed them in custody.
In the second operation conducted in the Caribbean, FS Ventôse intercepted a sailboat with 808 kg of pure cocaine aboard. The drugs were taken to OCRTIS to be disposed of, and three suspects were arrested and handed over to the authorities in charge.
Canadian Armed Forces’ maritime patrol aircraft CP 140 Aurora and a French Navy’s Falcon 50 contributed to the operation.
Naval Today Staff, Images: French Department of Defense