Canadian warships assist in narcotics seizures on Op CARIBBE
News Release
March 29, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Summerside and Saskatoon assisted in the seizure of almost 700 kg of cocaine while on patrol in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean while participating on Operation CARIBBE.
The interception involving HMCS Summerside took place on March 7, 2016, in international waters off the coast of Nicaragua when the ship located and approached a 12-metre long sailing vessel suspected of smuggling. Members of a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) embarked on HMCS Summerside questioned the master and subsequently boarded the vessel. During the search, the team discovered and seized 16 bales weighing 324 kg that later tested positive for cocaine.
During the evening of March 19, 2016, the crew of HMCS Saskatoon, its embarked USCG LEDET, and a U.S. Maritime Patrol Aircraft were conducting a routine patrol monitoring targets of interest in international waters off the coast of Central America. One of the vessels being monitored, a "panga" style fishing boat, jettisoned its cargo and fled at high speed. Once on scene, crew members of HMCS Saskatoon and the LEDET found and retrieved 10 bales of cocaine from the water, with a combined weight of approximately 360 kg.
Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to Operation MARTILLO – the multinational campaign against transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Quotes
“The Royal Canadian Navy continues to provide an important contribution to the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in South and Central America. By working with our partner nations to disrupt criminal activity, we not only bring security to the region, but also strengthen our international partnerships, and protect Canadians and Canadian interests.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
“This success belongs to the ship’s company as well as the members of the United States Coast Guard we embarked for this operation. After patrolling these waters together for more than a month and 5000 nautical miles, it’s satisfying to know we’ve contributed to helping keep these drugs off our streets.”
Lieutenant Commander Paul Smith, Commanding Officer HMCS Summerside
“This specific evolution exemplified an excellent coordination of assigned assets. Now that we have our first seizure under our belt, we will use lessons identified to improve tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve interoperability with our partners and enhance our efficiency for future cases.”
Lieutenant-Commander Todd Bacon, Commanding Officer HMCS Saskatoon.
Quick Facts
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Operation CARIBBE is currently supported by three Royal Canadian Navy ships: HMC Ships Summerside, Edmonton and Saskatoon.
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This annual operation directly supports the CAF’s mission to defend against threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and our defence and security partners.
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Media Availability
Media will be able to request a short telephone interview with LCdr Paul Smith, Commanding Officer of HMCS Summerside on 30 March, 2016, by contacting Captain Thomas Edelson at thomas.edelson@forces.gc.ca
Related Products
Imagery of Op CARIBBE including HMC Ships Summerside and Saskatoon can be found here: www.forcesimages.ca/default.aspx?aid=5152
Contacts
Captain Thomas Edelson
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian Joint Operation Command
Thomas.edelson@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military
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