In the early days of 2025, the French Navy forces stationed in the Caribbean deployed their maritime patrol vessel, “La Confiance”, to intercept and board a merchant vessel believed to be carrying a large consignment of cocaine destined for Europe.
The French asset successfully intercepted the target approximately 700 nautical miles southeast of Martinique. Following a thorough inspection, 250 bales were discovered, totalling 9 tonnes of cocaine. Four individuals—three Colombian nationals and one Spanish national—were arrested and brought before a magistrate in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
This operation, led by the admiral commanding the Antilles maritime zone under the direction of the prefect of Martinique, was the result of close international cooperation between multiple partners and law enforcement agencies. These included the French Anti-Drugs Office (OFAST), French Customs (DNRED), the French Forces in the Caribbean (Navy), and the UK National Crime Agency, all working together under the framework of MAOC-N.
The French Forces in the Caribbean have played a vital role in disrupting the transportation of large quantities of cocaine before they can cross the Atlantic. This prevents the drugs from being transhipped to faster, more agile vessels waiting off the coasts of Europe or West Africa—vessels that are far more difficult to detect and intercept.
