Huge 1.7 tonne haul of cocaine seized on ship in Caribbean by Royal Navy and Royal Marines

THE Royal Navy and Royal Marines helped seized a huge 1.7 tonnes of cocaine, worth an estimated £160 million on the streets, on a boat in the Caribbean.

The bust was the second in two days after 264kg of cocaine was seized in a separate operation in the region 48 hours before - much of the haul would have been bound for the UK and Europe.

The Royal Navy said its Caribbean task group has prevented nearly a quarter of a billion pounds worth of drugs reaching the UK after three separate drug busts also took place last month.

RFA Argus is in the Caribbean with HMS Medway providing support to British overseas territories during hurricane season.

Both ships also continue to carry out maritime security and counter-narcotics operations in the region.

The UK works in partnership with allied nations in the Caribbean as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force South, which detects and monitors activity to support security operations from its base in Florida.

The commanding officer of RFA Argus, Captain Kevin Rimell, said: “Collectively we secured and apprehended a number of smugglers and a large quantity of contraband.

“These are challenging times and we ask a lot of our people so it is encouraging to see that our training and professionalism continues to shine through.”

Armed forces minister James Heappey said: “The armed forces are committed to tackling organised crime, both at home and overseas, and work with our allies around the world to help protect our people and interests.

“The Royal Navy has once again demonstrated its professionalism and tactical operational capability in an international effort to stop illegal drug-smuggling.

“It is with thanks to their efforts that £160 million worth of drugs will never reach the streets of the UK.”