Janice R. Andrews
Over the course of two distinct operations conducted in less than a day, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines have demonstrated their exceptional ability to police maritime law by seizing drugs valued at over £33 million from the Middle East.
A Duke-class Type 23 frigate named HMS Lancaster stopped smugglers in the Indian Ocean, preventing them from carrying 3.7 tonnes of crystal meth, heroin, and hashish. Two suspect vessels were captured by the crew of HMS Lancaster with assistance from the Royal Marines during the operation, which was a component of a task group headed by Canada that was aimed at stopping illegal activity in the area.
Over two tons of the cocaine that were taken into custody were destroyed as a result of the Navy sailors and Marines working together. This accomplishment happened not too long after HMS Trent discovered cocaine worth about £17 million hidden in the Caribbean.
The “fantastic achievements” of the crew of HMS Lancaster and the Royal Marines were praised by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, underscoring the Royal Navy’s continued commitment to obstructing drug traffic globally.
With the aid of its Wildcat helicopter, HMS Lancaster’s first security patrol following a training period identified a suspect vessel. After eight hours, 42 Commando’s Royal Marines secured the ship, allowing the crew of the Lancaster to board and carry out a comprehensive search. There were found to be around a hundred parcels containing crystal meth and heroin.
Subsequently, in the Indian Ocean, HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter spotted another suspicious vessel during a dark patrol. 2.4 tons of hashish were found when Royal Marine commandos tracked the ship during the night and boarded it in the morning.
The collaborative operations, conducted under the Combined Task Force 150, which is directed by Canada, show how successful international collaboration is in preventing marine crime. HMS Lancaster’s commanding officer, Commander Chris Sharp, took delight in the team’s accomplishment and emphasized the value of cooperation and teamwork in carrying out difficult interceptions in difficult situations.
The drugs that have been recovered have a combined street value estimated by the National Crime Agency to be almost £33 million, which highlights the importance of these operations in dismantling criminal networks and preserving maritime security in the Middle East.
