It’s the third time in recent months that HMS Argyll has intercepted drug smugglers at sea

The Royal Navy has seized £36m worth of
cocaine from a vessel following a high-speed midnight chase across the
Caribbean.




This most recent drugs bust is the third
carried out by HMS Argyll in the last
few months, with the latest haul detaining 850kg of the illegal drug.




The Plymouth based frigate apprehended the
suspect boat after being alerted by a US customs aircraft, which directed the
ship to intercept.




HMS
Argyll
was pushed to maximum speed and quickly
closed the 70-mile gap between them and the smugglers.




As the warship approached the suspect
vessel, a high-speed chase ensued, with the smugglers attempting to dispose of
the evidence by throwing it overboard.




High tech radar technology was used to
guide a small patrol boat, which surrounded the smugglers and forced them to
surrender.




Lieutenant Matthew Turner said: “It was an
intense couple of hours as we were trying to out-think and out-maneuver a small
boat which can change direction in an instant.




“I think our training, during which we push
the ship and ourselves to the limit, really helped us to make this operation
such a success.”




This is the third time the ship has
intercepted drug smugglers, having now seized a total of 1,600kg of cocaine
with a combined value of more than £68m.




HMS
Argyll’s
commanding officer Paul Hammond said: “This
night time drugs seizure had no helicopter support and was our most challenging
and satisfying yet.




“The Royal Navy has helped remove a large
quantity of drugs from circulation and that, along with our disaster relief and
engagement work, has helped demonstrate the value for money a modern day
warship provides.”

Related articles