On December 18th 2023, following information from the French National Directorate of Intelligence and Customs Investigations (DNRED), the Surveillance Frigate VENTÔSE of the French Navy intercepted mid-Atlantic a sailing vessel suspected of illicit drug trafficking to Europe. This intervention led to the seizure of nearly 1.2 tonnes of cocaine.
This operation, coordinated through MAOC-N, was carried out by the French authorities and was the result of close international cooperation, as it also mobilized the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Spanish Police authorities.
44 bales, weighing approximately 1.2 tonnes of cocaine, were discovered on board the sailing vessel and seized. The three crew members and the cargo were transferred to the VENTÔSE and duly handed over to the competent judicial authorities in Fort-de-France.
Press release:
