Significant seizure of illegal narcotics by HMCS Harry DeWolf as part of Operation CARIBBE
News release
March 6, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
On March 1, 2025, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf successfully assisted a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) in conducting a seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.
Sailing in support of Operation CARIBBE, HMCS Harry DeWolf is supporting international efforts to prevent the flow of illicit substances into Canada and North America. This seizure, supported by Colombian air and maritime assets, has an estimated street value $26.9 million CAD.
The success underscores the strong interoperability, cooperation, and partnership between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the USCG, and other regional partners. This joint effort among allies and partners exemplifies our shared commitment to maintain security and stability in the region and North America.
Quotes
“Operation CARIBBE is a prime example of the tremendous collaboration between the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Coast Guard to keep our respective domestic borders and our mutual continental environment safe and secure. And we have been doing this with great success for 19 years! Every kilogram of illegal narcotics seized during Operation CARIBBE is a kilogram that won’t make it to the streets of Canada, the United States, or elsewhere around the world. Bravo Zulu to everybody who assisted with this significant seizure. We look forward to our continued partnership with our American allies on this crucial operation.”
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Component Command
"The crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Harry DeWolf demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication during this operation. Our successful interdiction of illegal narcotics is a direct result of their hard work and the seamless cooperation with defence partners. We remain committed to contributing to the safety and security of the region and stopping the flow of illegal narcotics into Canada and the United States."
Commander Jon Nicholson, Commanding Officer, HMCS Harry DeWolf
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Quick facts
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Operation CARIBBE is Canada's contribution to the United States (US)-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deploy ships and aircraft to the region on a rotational basis to support the US mission to suppress drug trafficking in international waters.
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Operation CARIBBE began in November 2006 and is part of the broader US-led Operation Martillo. In 2010, Canada and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing USCG LEDETs to operate from RCN ships and aircraft during Operation CARIBBE.
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Embarking USCG LEDETs on RCN ships during Operation CARIBBE allows the CAF to better support this multi-national counter-narcotics effort.
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Operation CARIBBE involves the deployment of RCN ships and Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft to detect and monitor illicit trafficking activities in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
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In 2024, HMC Ships Margaret Brooke, Summerside, Edmonton, and Yellowknife worked to interdict 2,710 kilograms of contraband and illicit substances during Operation CARIBBE.
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Operation CARIBBE underscores Canada's commitment to addressing security challenges in the region, supporting international efforts to combat organized crime, and interdict the flow of illegal narcotics into Canada, the US, and North America.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca