In a major counter-narcotics operation, the French Navy intercepted a fishing vessel in international waters off the Gulf of Guinea, seizing over six tons of drugs valued at approximately €371 million ($400.4 million). The March 15 operation was carried out based on intelligence provided by the European Union’s Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) [MAOC (N)], along with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The 20-meter Guyana-registered fishing vessel was boarded by French marines operating under Operation Corymbe, which ensures a near-continuous naval presence in the region. The confiscated narcotics were transferred to a French Navy vessel for destruction, following directives from the Brest Prosecutor’s Office in France, the U.S. Africa Command (Africom), the U.S. Coast Guard, and the DEA. Six crew members, hailing from Colombia, Dominica, and Guyana, were arrested during the operation.
The Prefecture Maritime Atlantique of the EU hailed the seizure as a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. U.S. Army Lieutenant General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of Africom, praised the operation, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in maritime security. “This remarkable seizure highlights the collective efforts of our allies to disrupt drug smuggling networks and protect regional stability,” he stated.
Africom reinforced this message in an official statement, underscoring how the success of the operation dealt a major blow to trafficking organizations while strengthening global partnerships in the fight against maritime crime.
The latest seizure follows a record-breaking drug bust in the Gulf of Guinea nearly a year ago. On March 14, 2024, the French Navy intercepted 10.7 metric tons of cocaine—the largest haul ever recorded in the region—estimated at €695 million ($755 million). As in the recent operation, French anti-trafficking agencies collaborated with the U.S. DEA to disrupt illegal drug smuggling networks.
With drug trafficking continuing to pose a major security threat in West Africa, the latest operation highlights the growing international resolve to combat organized crime and reinforce maritime law enforcement in the region.