The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is wrapping up deployments on Operation CARIBBE for 2017. Working collaboratively with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the United States-led Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATFS) over the past year, the CAF directly supported the ongoing multinational campaign to disrupt illicit trafficking.

“The importance of the ongoing collaboration between the Canadian Armed Forces and United States partner agencies is evidenced by this year’s success of ensuring more than nine tonnes of cocaine did not reach the streets. This sends a clear and strong message about our commitment to stop the illegal movement of drugs by criminal entities operating in the region.”

– Lieutenant-General Steven Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

“We salute the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who are exceptional professionals and valiant partners.  Once again, they contributed greatly to the important mission of stopping massive drug shipments at sea and disrupting the trans-national criminal organizations behind this destructive and illicit trade.  They operated seamlessly with personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and other partner agencies and nations in the region and helped save lives by keeping tons of illegal drugs off the streets of North America.”

– Rear Admiral Todd A. Sokalzuk, Commander US Coast Guard District Eleven

• Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s participation in the multinational, US-led campaign to detect and interdict the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, money, and people.

• The CAF has contributed to the seizure of more than 83 tonnes of cocaine since Operation CARIBBE commenced in 2006 with the JIATFS.

• From November to December 2017, a CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft provided surveillance in direct support of JIATFS, enabling the USCG to seize approximately 2,824 kgs of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The modernized CP-140 Aurora is essential to the CAF as it fulfills a multitude of roles including maritime patrol intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Its advanced sensors and communications systems make it a world-class asset for detecting illicit activity offshore.

• From October to December 2017, HMCS Moncton assisted the USCG in seizing approximately 834 kg of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.

• From October to December 2017, HMCS Nanaimo assisted the USCG in seizing approximately 1,989 kg of cocaine and disrupting an estimated 750 kg of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

• From February to April, 2017, HMCS Saskatoon assisted the USCG in seizing approximately 1,124 kg and disrupting an estimated 1,500 kg of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Associated Links

• Operation CARIBBE webpage
• Operation CARIBBE on Forces Images
• Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels
• CP-140 Aurora
• United States Coast Guard

Media wishing to interview CAF participants in Op CARIBBE should contact the Media Relations Office

Media Relations Office
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca