A French Navy vessel has intercepted and seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing boat off the African coast in the Gulf of Guinea.
The operation, coordinated by the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture, marks one of the largest drug seizures ever carried out in the region.
The fishing boat, approximately 20 meters in length and registered in Guyana, was transporting a cargo of 6,386 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs had an estimated market value of around 371 million euros.
The drugs were transferred to the French Navy ship for destruction, as directed by the Brest Prosecutor’s Office. The operation was carried out at the request of the French Anti-Drug Office. There was support from the British National Crime Agency (NCA) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The French Navy deployed a specialized inspection team, supported by two Dauphin and Cougar helicopters and a drone. This technological deployment allowed them to locate and intercept the fishing vessel. The vessel was operating on one of the most frequently used routes by drug traffickers transporting narcotics to Europe.
French authorities highlighted the significance of the operation as a strong message against international drug trafficking. “This seizure demonstrates our commitment to combating drug trafficking on a global scale,” said a spokesperson for the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture.
The massive seizure in the Gulf of Guinea represents a significant blow to trafficking networks and a major success for international cooperation in the fight against organized crime. As investigations continue, the operation underscores the importance of a coordinated and technologically advanced approach to countering drug trafficking.