HMCS Edmonton concludes its deployment on Operation CARIBBE and returns to CFB Esquimalt

From: National Defence

News release

Aerial view of the Surface Action Group (SAG) sailing in formation south of the Mexican coast on April 8, 2023. Working together, the SAG - which included U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active and embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter (front), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Bottoms (left), His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Edmonton (right), and a Maritime Patrol Aircraft from U.S. Customs and Border Protection - successfully detected, intercepted, and disabled a Target of Interest, resulting in the recovery of 755 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $49.5 million dollars (estimated Canadian street value). Seven individuals were also taken into custody by the U.S. Coast Guard.
RCN and USCG Ships

April 28, 2023 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Edmonton concludes its two-and-a-half-month deployment off the Pacific coast of Central America, under Operation CARIBBE, from February 13 to April 28, 2023 and returns to the ship’s home port at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. 

Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations under Joint Interagency Task Force South, which is responsible for conducting interagency and international detection, monitoring operations, and facilitating the interdiction of illicit trafficking.

During the ship’s deployment on Operation CARIBBE, on April 8, 2023, HMCS Edmonton in partnership with two United States Coast Guard Ships intercepted a drug smuggling vessel, seizing large quantities of narcotics off the coast of Mexico. The seized narcotics are estimated to be 755 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated Canadian street value of $49.5 million.

The seven people suspected of drug smuggling are now in the custody of the United States Department of Justice on suspicion of maritime drug trafficking, and the vessel itself was disposed of at sea due to the threat it posed to navigation. 

Additional multimedia

A sailor from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Edmonton and two U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) members investigate suspected jettisoned contraband while HMCS Edmonton searches the jettison field on April 8, 2023, following a successful interdiction. HMCS Edmonton was operating as part of a Surface Action Group during Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to U.S.-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations.
USCG Seize Illicit Drugs

Quotes

“I am extremely proud of the crew of HMCS Edmonton and the members from the United States Coast Guard. HMCS Edmonton acted in direct coordination with USCG cutters to successfully interdict a drug smuggling vessel. The crew of HMCS Edmonton have worked tirelessly since Operation CARIBBE commenced to enhance integration with our United States and Central American partners, which was critical to success in this fast paced and complex interdiction. We were well prepared to step in and contribute to Canadas part in Operation CARIBBE.

Lieutenant-Commander Tyler Smith, Commanding Officer of HMCS Edmonton

Quick facts

  • His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Edmonton liaised with a United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), two Unite States Coast Guard Ships Active and Benjamin Bottoms, a United States Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter and a maritime patrol aircraft in an operation that seized a vessel ferrying narcotics on April 8, 2023.

  • Since November 2021, HMC Ships have worked in partnership with United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments to disrupt 4,591 kg of drugs in international waters. In the last fifteen years, the Canadian Armed Forces has contributed to the seizure of 120 tonnes of cocaine. 

  • Every year, partner nations intercept and seize millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs and play a major role in curbing the flow of trafficking in international waters. This helps to control and disrupt drug trafficking and suppress organized crime in South and Central America.

  • The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has conducted Operation CARIBBE since November 2006 and remains committed to working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address security challenges in the region and disrupt illicit trafficking operations.

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Contacts

Media Contacts

Maritime Forces Atlantic Public Affairs
Phone: 902-427-3766
Email: +marlantpublicaffairs@forces.gc.ca
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