British warship HMS Trent has intercepted and seized more than £40 million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea, the Royal Navy reported Sunday.
The operation, conducted 120 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic, marks the sixth drug bust made by HMS Trent in 2024. Footage released by the Navy shows the warship pursuing a speedboat before Royal Marines retrieve packages of drugs from the ocean.
Commander Tim Langford, HMS Trent’s commanding officer, described the August 8 operation as “another significant haul.” He added, “This successful operation with our American partners demonstrates HMS Trent’s ability to support anti-trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea.”
Three alleged smugglers were apprehended during the operation and later handed over to U.S. authorities for prosecution. The Royal Navy stated that HMS Trent has seized nearly seven tonnes of drugs worth £551.5 million from traffickers this year.
The operation involved collaboration with a U.S. maritime patrol aircraft and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard commented on the bust, saying, “This recent operation highlights the Royal Navy’s vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law in the region.”
HMS Trent continues to patrol Caribbean waters, serving as a reassuring presence for British Overseas Territories during hurricane season while working to stem the flow of illegal cargo.
This seizure follows a recent incident where Hurricane Debby washed up several packages of cocaine, valued at £784,000, along the Florida shoreline in early August.
HMS Trent’s ongoing operations in the Caribbean demonstrate the Royal Navy’s commitment to international anti-drug trafficking efforts and maritime security in the region.
Source: the-sun-com
