Royal Navy Nets £160 Million in Drugs in Daring Caribbean Busts
The Royal Navy has dealt a huge blow to drug smugglers, stopping more than £160 million worth of cocaine and amphetamines from flooding UK streets in two bold operations in the Caribbean.
High-Speed Helicopter Chase and Multinational Raid
The blockbuster haul came courtesy of RFA Argus, backed by its Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, Royal Marines, and US Coast Guard teams. They teamed up with the Dutch Navy’s HNLMS Groningen, seizing a massive 1.7 tonnes of cocaine and 28kg of amphetamines.
This was the second major bust in just 48 hours after they nabbed 264kg of cocaine in an earlier raid in the region.
Tech-Savvy Helicopters and Special Forces Strike
The first catch began when two suspicious boats were spotted near RFA Argus and HNLMS Groningen. A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, carrying a Royal Marine sniper team from 42 Commando, locked onto the targets using high-tech sensors and cameras.
Royal Marines from 47 Commando, alongside the US Coast Guard and Dutch sailors, then boarded the vessels to conduct the seizures.
Just two days later, during routine training, one of RFA Argus’ Merlin helicopters spotted another dodgy craft. The warship gave chase as Merlin and Wildcat helicopters worked with HNLMS Groningen, allowing the US Coast Guard to intercept the vessel.
Heroes Speak Out
“The Armed Forces are committed to tackling organised crime, both at home and overseas, and work with our allies around the world to help protect our people and interests,” said Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey.
“The Royal Navy has once again demonstrated its professionalism and tactical operational capability in an international effort to stop illegal drug-smuggling. Thanks to their efforts, £160 million worth of drugs will never reach the streets of the UK.”
Captain Kevin Rimell, Commanding Officer of RFA Argus added:
“This recent interdiction is yet another example of multi-national co-operation in the Caribbean. I’m proud that our team, using helicopters from 815 and 845 Naval Air Squadrons, boats crewed by RFA personnel and Royal Marines from 47 Commando, could lead alongside our US Coast Guard and Dutch Navy partners.”
Crushing Cartels and Protecting Britain
With these latest busts, the Royal Navy Caribbean task group has stopped nearly a quarter of a billion pounds worth of drugs heading to the UK after three more seizures last month.
RFA Argus and HMS Medway are on patrol supporting British Overseas Territories during hurricane season while carrying out vital maritime security and counter-narcotics missions.
The UK works closely with allied forces in the region through the Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Florida, to detect and disrupt drug trafficking before it reaches our shores.
