In a significant victory against drug trafficking, the Royal Navy’s HMS Trent intercepted a semi-submersible vessel, commonly referred to as a “narco-sub,” in Caribbean waters, seizing 2,000kg of cocaine valued at over £160m.
The operation, carried out on 26 August, marked the Royal Navy’s first-ever seizure of such a vessel, highlighting a growing trend in the use of these elusive submarines by drug smugglers.
The bust occurred 190 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic, where HMS Trent’s boarding team, consisting of US Coast Guard personnel, Royal Marines, and specialist sailors, successfully apprehended the vessel and its illicit cargo. The operation led to the arrest of 11 suspects, who were handed over to the US Coast Guard.
Bales of cocaine were confiscated from the semi-submersible vessel, which are often difficult to detect because they travel partially or fully submerged in water. This method of transportation has become increasingly popular among criminal organizations aiming to evade maritime patrols.
Following the initial interception, the Royal Navy’s sea boats also engaged in a separate high-speed night pursuit, 90 nautical miles north of the first incident. The chase resulted in two additional arrests and the seizure of 12 bales of drugs.
Altogether, these operations formed part of a larger coordinated effort between the Royal Navy and the US Coast Guard, contributing to three successful interceptions over the course of the mission.
The combined haul of cocaine from these operations is estimated to have a street value of over £40m, with the Royal Navy calculating their own valuation of £160m.
The contraband was brought ashore on Monday by the US Coast Guard, who commended the collaboration between the British and American forces.
“This is a testament to the close working relationship between our two nations in tackling the growing threat of narco-trafficking in the Caribbean,” said a US Coast Guard spokesperson.
HMS Trent, based in Portsmouth, has been deployed in the Caribbean since December 2023 and has quickly established itself as a formidable force in combating drug smuggling in the region.
This latest drug seizure brings the total amount of narcotics captured by HMS Trent during its deployment to over 9,400kg (20,000lb). This unprecedented total makes the ship the most successful anti-drug operation in the Royal Navy’s history this century.
Commander Timothy Langford, commanding officer of HMS Trent, praised the efforts of the crew and their US counterparts, stating, “The seizure of this ‘narco-sub’ marks a historic moment for the Royal Navy. Our teams have demonstrated unwavering professionalism and commitment in the fight against international drug trafficking. We remain vigilant and ready to disrupt these illegal activities that have a devastating impact on communities worldwide.”
The Caribbean has long been a hotbed for drug smuggling routes from South America to North America and Europe.
Semi-submersibles like the one intercepted by HMS Trent have become a preferred method for traffickers due to their ability to avoid radar detection, making them highly prized assets in the smuggling world.
The success of this operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing global drug trafficking and demonstrates the Royal Navy’s growing role in safeguarding maritime security in some of the world’s most challenging waters.
