Royal Navy's First 'Narco-Sub' Drug Seizure in the Caribbean
The Royal Navy seized drugs from a semi-submerged vessel and a speedboat in the Caribbean, about 190 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic, on August 26. HMS Trent's operation resulted in the interception of 2,000 kg of cocaine and the arrest of 11 suspects by the US Coast Guard. This was the Royal Navy's first seizure of a 'narco-sub', marking a significant achievement in their anti-smuggling efforts.
The Royal Navy, aboard HMS Trent, seized drugs from a semi-submerged vessel and a speedboat in the Caribbean, approximately 190 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic.
The operation, conducted on August 26, resulted in the interception of 2,000 kg (over 4,000 lbs) of cocaine.
A total of 11 suspects were arrested by the US Coast Guard, which brought the drugs ashore.
This marked the Royal Navy's first-ever seizure of a 'narco-sub', a type of semi-submersible or fully-submersible vessel frequently used by drug smugglers.
HMS Trent's boarding team for the operation included US Coast Guard personnel, Royal Marines, and specialist sailors.
Additionally, HMS Trent was involved in another high-speed night pursuit 90 nautical miles north of the initial interception, resulting in two more arrests and the seizure of 12 bales of drugs.
Overall, there were three interceptions leading to a total cocaine haul with a street value estimated by the US Coast Guard at more than 40 million pounds and by the Royal Navy at 160 million pounds.
Since deploying to the Caribbean in December 2023, HMS Trent has set a new record with eight drug seizures, confiscating over 9,400 kg (20,000 lbs) of drugs.
The operation, conducted on August 26, resulted in the interception of 2,000 kg (over 4,000 lbs) of cocaine.
A total of 11 suspects were arrested by the US Coast Guard, which brought the drugs ashore.
This marked the Royal Navy's first-ever seizure of a 'narco-sub', a type of semi-submersible or fully-submersible vessel frequently used by drug smugglers.
HMS Trent's boarding team for the operation included US Coast Guard personnel, Royal Marines, and specialist sailors.
Additionally, HMS Trent was involved in another high-speed night pursuit 90 nautical miles north of the initial interception, resulting in two more arrests and the seizure of 12 bales of drugs.
Overall, there were three interceptions leading to a total cocaine haul with a street value estimated by the US Coast Guard at more than 40 million pounds and by the Royal Navy at 160 million pounds.
Since deploying to the Caribbean in December 2023, HMS Trent has set a new record with eight drug seizures, confiscating over 9,400 kg (20,000 lbs) of drugs.