Drug trafficking: a never-ending hunt
The French Navy has intercepted more than 8 tonnes of cocaine and cannabis following patrols in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. A scourge that is difficult to eradicate, as drug trafficking remains as widespread as ever in the Caribbean.
In the Caribbean Sea, a ‘go-fast’ type vessel, sailing without a flag, was intercepted on 4 October by a French Navy frigate, supported by its on-board helicopter. Sixteen bales of cocaine were seized and the crew handed over to the Colombian authorities. On 13 October, there was another interception, this time of a fishing vessel flying the Venezuelan flag, carrying 166 bales of cocaine and marijuana. The offenders were handed over to the Venezuelan authorities.
In total, 1,589 kg of cocaine and 1,727 kg of marijuana were seized. Meanwhile, on 8 October, another French Navy vessel intercepted a fishing boat that was preparing to cross the Atlantic. On board, the military discovered 150 bales of cocaine, amounting to 5,292 kg of drugs. The cargo and crew were brought back to Fort-de-France; the five traffickers were taken into custody.
These operations, carried out under the authority of the Prefect of Martinique, are being conducted jointly with the armed forces of Colombia, the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
