UK Royal Navy Captures £300m in Caribbean Drug Busts

HMS Trent's crew following their successful drugs busts

• Massive Seizure: HMS Trent and its crew, alongside US Coast Guard, seize nearly £300m worth of drugs in the Caribbean.

• Two Major Operations: Drugs captured in two separate operations, including over 2,700kg of cocaine with a street value of £220.56m in one operation.

• International Collaboration: Operations underscore the power of collaboration between British and American forces in combating drug trafficking.

• Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasizes the operation's role in disrupting drug traffickers' operations globally.
  

The Royal Navy's HMS Trent, in partnership with British sailors, Royal Marines, and a US Coast Guard team, has successfully seized nearly £300m worth of drugs in two significant operations in the Caribbean Sea. The first operation led to the recovery of over 2,700kg of cocaine and other drugs valued at £220.56m after intercepting a smuggling speedboat south of the US Virgin Islands. This operation was marked by a high-speed chase and the involvement of an American patrol aircraft. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the operation's importance in disrupting global drug trafficking networks and reiterated the UK's commitment to justice.

This series of busts includes HMS Trent's second major drug seizure within three weeks, adding £70.1m worth of cocaine to its record. The operations involved intense sea chases, leading to the detention of smugglers and the retrieval of substantial quantities of drugs, showcasing the crew's determination and skill. Commander Tim Langford and Lieutenant Commander Mike Rydiard expressed pride in their team's achievements, which demonstrate the Royal Navy's crucial role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law. These operations not only disrupt criminal activities but also reinforce the UK's stance against illegal drug trade, thanks to the effective collaboration between the Royal Navy and international partners.