Navy intercepts Caribbean drugs

The operation was the crew's second interception in a month

Portsmouth-based HMS Iron Duke has intercepted a cocaine shipment valued at £6m in the eastern Caribbean.

The Royal Navy frigate was on night patrol when the operation was launched on Wednesday at about 2000 local time (midnight BST).

A helicopter and sea boat were deployed but when they closed in on the boat the contents were thrown overboard, the Ministry of Defence said.

It is the the second drugs interception by the crew in just over a month.

'Hungry for action'

HMS Iron Duke's primary task while on patrol in the Caribbean is to reassure and assist the UK Overseas Territories during the hurricane season.

The operation, part of a multi-national task force, was a coordinated effort with the UK's Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).

Commander Andrew Stacey said: "Coming so soon after our drugs seizure last month, this further success in disrupting the flow of drugs out of South America is clear proof that the Royal Navy is making a significant contribution to the international counter-narcotics mission in the region.

"All my sailors are determined to keep up the pressure on the traffickers and are hungry for further action."

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