Nearly 拢17 million of drugs seized by Royal Navy in the Caribbean Sea
HMS Trent recently seized drugs after making two interceptions while on patrol
The crew of HMS Trent pictured with drugs they seized
Royal Navy warship HMS Trent seized drugs with a street value of 拢16.7 million in two separate blows to drug runners in the Caribbean.
British sailors, Royal Marines and a US Coast Guard team on HMS Trent intercepted a smuggling speedboat immediately following a port visit to the island of Martinique. The warship launched her fast sea boats, piloted by Royal Marines of 47 Commando, to intercept the speedboat, seize the drugs and detain the crew before darkness fell.
Less than 48 hours later, HMS Trent was back in action, working with a US Coast Guard patrol aircraft to track and intercept another speedboat. Across the two operations, HMS Trent seized 200kg of cocaine and other drugs, with an estimated street value of 拢16.7 million.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:
These interceptions demonstrate the Royal Navy鈥檚 commitment to disrupt and dismantle the operations of drug traffickers across the world.
I congratulate the ship鈥檚 company for their invaluable efforts to keep illegal drugs off our streets.
The latest operations mean HMS Trent has now seized drugs worth 拢307m since she began operating in Caribbean at the end of 2023. In February, she seized 拢220.56m of cocaine and other drugs, having seized 拢70.1m of cocaine in January.
HMS Trent remains on patrol in the Caribbean, ready to conduct further operations.
Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford, said:
The flexibility shown by my ship鈥檚 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鈥檚 vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law in the region.