In a series of bold interventions, two ships of the French Navy recently conducted three maritime operations on the Atlantic waters, resulting in the seizure of 7 tonnes of cocaine.
On February 20th, 2024, the surveillance frigate GERMINAL intercepted a fishing vessel flying the Panama flag approximately 1100 nautical miles Southeast of Martinique. The seizure yielded over 3 tonnes of cocaine concealed within 137 bales.
Continuing their pursuit, the GERMINAL undertook another interception on February 22nd, this time engaging a Venezuelan-flagged fishing vessel situated approximately 830 nautical miles off the coast of Martinique. The operation culminated in the discovery and seizure of a little over 3 tonnes of cocaine concealed within 100 bales, further disrupting the flow of narcotics in the Atlantic waters.
On February 26th, 2024, the Patroller LA COMBATTANTE, another asset of the French Navy, intercepted a Jersey-flagged sailing vessel carrying four crew members and 1 tonne of cocaine.
These decisive actions were initiated in response to a collaborative effort spearheaded by the French OFAST and DNRED, seeking support from the French Navy based on intelligence shared through MAOC-N. The coordinated efforts, in conjunction with the UK authorities (NCA) and the US authorities (DEA), exemplify the effectiveness of international cooperation in dismantling organized crime networks.
