Marine Nationale Achieves High-Value Drugs Bust
French frigate FS Guépratte has seized 1,380 lbs (626 kg) of methamphetamine worth more than $17 million, during the latest Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) counter-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea, April 9. After spotting a suspicious vessel whilst on patrol in the Arabian Sea and investigating with the ship’s boarding team, the subsequent search operation uncovered the illicit cargo, which also contained 165 lbs (75 kg) of heroin worth a further $787,500. “This drug seizure contributes to the high level of achievements performed by French naval forces in the area. It represents another great success against the illicit traffic of narcotic drugs at sea and crowns the efficient and relentless training undertaken by my crew since September,” said Guépratte’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Guilhem Desvignes. “I particularly want to highlight the outstanding cooperation we had with Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 which was key to this significant success.” Operating in direct…
Five in One Week for the Marine Nationale and Combined Task Force-150
French Marine Nationale ships have achieved an impressive five seizures of illicit drugs in just six days, whilst participating in a counter-narcotics focused operation under the command of Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150. The noteworthy successful run began on March 19, when the French frigate FS Nivôse intercepted a high-value shipment of 809 lbs (367 kg) of methamphetamine and 685 lbs (311 kg) of heroin. This was swiftly followed by two concurrent counter-narcotics operations on March 22 by FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf, which resulted in interdictions of over 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg), and 1,300 lbs (600 kg) of hashish respectively. Barely 48 hours later, helicopter carrier Tonnerre was back at it with a flourish, seizing a massive 7,055 lbs (3,200kg) of hashish. A concurrent counter-narcotic success at sea by FS Nivôse followed quickly behind, with the crew interdicting a further 2,425 lbs (1,100kg) of…
FAA Jean Bart Seizes Over 6500 lbs of Narcotics in the Arabian Sea
The French Marine Nationale ship (FS) Jean Bart has intercepted over 6500 lbs (2900 kg) of illicit drugs on February 12, 2021, in the latest successful Combined Maritime Forces interdiction in the Arabian Sea. After spotting a suspicious dhow and later investigating it using the ship’s Panther helicopter, the crew of the Jean Bart observed multiple packages being thrown overboard. The subsequent search and recovery operation seized 148 parcels containing 6526 lbs (2960 kg) of cannabis resin, known locally as hashish. The total market value of this bust amounts to over $1.5 million. Captain Ouk, commanding officer of the ship said; “I am very proud that Jean Bart and her crew could contribute to the coalition fight against illicit trafficking that feeds international crime and terrorism. This seizure results from the good co-operation amongst Combined Task Force 150 and our good knowledge of this area where French units operate on…
France Hands Over Command of CTF 150 to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Captain Riviere of the French Marine Nationale handed over Command of CTF 150 to Rear Admiral Alfaqeeh of the Saudi Royal Naval Force in a virtual ceremony. The CTF 150 (Combined Task Force 150) mission is to disrupt criminal and terrorist organisations and their mandated related illicit activities by restricting their freedom of manoeuvre in the maritime domain. The task force’s activities deny criminal and terrorist organisations a method of conducting operations or moving personnel, weapons or income-generating narcotics and charcoal. Speaking via video link at the conference, Captain Riviere said, “I was very fortunate to be able to draw the CTF 150 team from not only France, but also the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, building a combined, diverse and effective staff made up of professionals from three very capable nations.” “To my team, I thank you for your committed support, your hard work, and determination in…