FS Ventôse seizes 2.4 tons of cocaine off the West African coast
FS Ventôse seized 2.4 tons of cocaine during an operation off the West African coast, on Thursday 21 September 2023. The operation was coordinated by the Préfet Maritime de l’Atlantique and the Brest Public Prosecutor, in collaboration with the Brazilian Federal Police, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This high-stakes operation took place on the high seas and required the deployment of the French Navy’s Falcon 50 and a Dauphin helicopter on board the FS Ventôse. Acting under Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Montego Bay), the operation resulted in the seizure of the drugs, which were then transferred to the Ventôse frigate for disposal.
The 20-metre-long fishing boat had left the Brazilian coast, raising suspicions that it could be carrying cocaine to Europe. This success highlights the effective collaboration between national and international agencies in the fight against drugs. It underlines the French government’s commitment to the protection of external borders.
Since mid-September, Ventôse has been involved in Operation Corymbe, which contributes to maritime safety and the fight against illegal activities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. and the fight against illicit activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
