French authorities reported that nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $610 million (£540 million), were seized off the coast of West Africa. The seizure occurred on Monday when two French naval vessels, part of Operation Corymbe, intercepted an unflagged fishing vessel. The operation was based on information received from maritime intelligence, as well as cooperation with anti-drug authorities and the British National Crime Agency.
Operation Corymbe has been active in the Gulf of Guinea since 1990, focusing on security in a region where piracy has historically posed a significant threat. According to the French navy, a total of 54 tonnes of drugs have been intercepted in this area since the start of the year, highlighting ongoing concerns over drug trafficking.
The Atlantic Maritime Prefecture of France noted that “seamless cooperation by national and international actors” contributed to the recent seizure of 9.6 tonnes of cocaine. The Gulf of Guinea has become increasingly relevant in global narcotics trafficking, especially as a transit point for cocaine originating from South America and destined for Europe.
Historically, this region was known as one of the most dangerous for maritime piracy, even surpassing the waters off Somalia. In response, various Western nations have deployed naval ships to assist in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Notably, the French navy recorded its largest cocaine interception in March of the previous year, with a seizure of 10.7 tonnes, marking a significant moment in the ongoing challenges of illegal drug trafficking in this region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15k7j9ken4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss