Yesterday, Saturday 15 March 2025, the French Navy intercepted a fishing vessel off the African coast, seizing 6.4 tonnes of cocaine. This operation, carried out under the authority of the Atlantic Maritime Prefect and the Public Prosecutor of Brest, involved a French vessel engaged in the fight against drug trafficking.

The interception of the boat, registered in Guyana, was carried out with the support of several aerial resources, including two Dauphin and Cougar helicopters and a drone. The intervention took place in agreement with the flag state, in accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of the United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

The operation was triggered following information provided by the Anti-Narcotics Office (OFAST), in coordination with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) (MAOC-N), as well as the British (National Crime Agency - NCA) and American (Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA) intelligence agencies.

On board the ship, the French forces discovered and seized a cargo of 6386 kg of cocaine, with an estimated market value of around 371 million euros. The narcotics were immediately transferred to the French Navy vessel for destruction, in accordance with the directives of the Brest public prosecutor's office.

This success illustrates the effectiveness of cooperation between the services fighting against drug trafficking, both at the national and international level. It also demonstrates France's commitment to securing maritime areas and the fight against organised crime.

As part of Operation Corymbe, the French Navy maintains an almost permanent presence in the Gulf of Guinea, where one or two French vessels, supported by a maritime patrol aircraft, are deployed. This mission is part of the security cooperation efforts with West and Central Africa, in line with the maritime security architecture defined by the Yaoundé process. It is also in line with the concept of coordinated maritime presence promoted by the European Union.