The seizure of over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in international waters off the Gulf of Guinea earlier in March was hailed “a significant operation” by the Prefecture Maritime Atlantique of the European Commission (EU).
The Portuguese capital Lisbon is home to the European Commission (EU) Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) MAOC (N) which reported the operation as involving the French Navy (Marine Nationale) which has “a nearly permanent presence” in the Gulf of Guinea. This sees one or two vessels supported by maritime aircraft deployed as part of the ongoing Operation Corymbe.
The 15 March operation saw Gulf of Guinea Marine Nationale assets board a 20 metre Guyana registered fishing vessel. The boarding was in reaction to intelligence supplied by MAOC (N), the United Kingdom (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA) and the United States (US) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Seized narcotics with an estimated market value of 371 million euros ($400.4 million) were transferred to a Marine Nationale vessel ahead of destruction in accordance with directives from the Brest (France) Prosecutor’s Office, Africom (US Africa Command), the US Coast Guard and the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
The maritime prefecture noted the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of French naval actions safeguarding external borders and tackling organised crime. All six individuals aboard the fishing vessel were from Colombia, Dominica and Guyana (four) were arrested.
The operation drew a nod of approval from US Army Lieutenant General John Brennan, US Africa Command Deputy Commander, who termed it “a remarkable seizure”.
“It underscores collaborative efforts among international partners to combat drug trafficking and enhance maritime security. The steadfast commitment of our allies, including the French Navy and other US agencies, reflects our collective determination to safeguard our borders and disrupt the operations of organised crime syndicates,” he is reported as saying.
Final word on the big bust comes from an Africom statement which has it “the successful mission not only signifies a significant blow to drug trafficking networks but also reinforces the importance of international collaboration in enhancing regional security across the Gulf of Guinea. US Africa Command remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives and fostering partnerships aimed at stabilising the region”.
The latest bust comes almost exactly a year after a record cocaine seizure in the Gulf of Guinea. On 14 March 2024, the French Navy seized 10.7 metric tons of cocaine in the biggest interception of the illegal trade off the coast of West Africa. The French Navy at the time estimated the value of the cocaine haul at 695 million euros ($755 million). As with this year’s bust, French anti-trafficking agencies participated alongside the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
