The Royal Navy has made significant drug seizures in the Caribbean, intercepting smuggling speedboats and confiscating drugs valued at nearly £17 million across two operations.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps commended the Navy's efforts, highlighting their commitment to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks.

In collaboration with British sailors, Royal Marines, and a US Coast Guard team aboard HMS Trent, the interception of a smuggling speedboat occurred immediately following a port visit to Martinique. Utilizing fast sea boats piloted by Royal Marines, HMS Trent seized the drugs and detained the crew before nightfall. Less than 48 hours later, another speedboat was intercepted with the assistance of a US Coast Guard patrol aircraft.

Since its deployment to the Caribbean in late 2023, HMS Trent has seized drugs totaling £307 million, including £221 million worth of cocaine and other drugs in February and £70 million in January. Commanding Officer Tim Langford praised the dedication and professionalism of his crew and emphasized the crucial cooperation between the Royal Navy, US Coast Guard, and other partners in facilitating these successful seizures.

The deployment of HMS Trent to the Caribbean serves various purposes, including tackling piracy and smuggling, protecting fisheries, counterterrorism efforts, providing humanitarian aid, and conducting search and rescue operations. Additionally, it plays a role in border patrols and defense diplomacy, particularly in light of regional geopolitical tensions, such as Venezuela's renewed claim on disputed Guyanese territory rich in oil and minerals. Photo by Davidfernandocoronel, Wikimedia commons.