DrugsMaritimeNews

FS Languedoc Expands CTF-150 Record with $4.3 Million Counter Narcotics Seizure

French Marine Nationale ship FS Languedoc, assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized 902 lbs (409 kg) of heroin worth over $4.3 million dollars during a maritime counter-narcotics operation, June 6. 

Within twenty-four hours of entering the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) area of operations, the French frigate identified a potential smuggler and began boarding procedures to identify and seize the illegal drugs, ensuring millions of dollars in proceeds were kept out of the hands of terrorist organizations and other groups who would have used this money to bring harm to others.  

“The counter-narcotics operation we conducted on June 6 went very smoothly. The crew’s adaptability, and the support we had from CTF-150, was put to good use to conduct this operation effectively, despite the darkness and rough seas,” said Captain Yves Le Goff, commanding officer of FS Languedoc. “We are proud to have contributed to the fight against illicit trafficking that finances international terrorism,”

Languedoc’s interdiction brings the total number of CTF-150-led counter-narcotics operations to 33, and highlights the seamless collaboration between the Marine Nationale, the Royal Canadian Navy, and CMF, towards enhanced maritime security in the Middle East.

“The Marine Nationale continue their stellar support to CTF-150, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean,” said Commodore Daniel Charlebois, Royal Canadian Navy, commander of CTF-150. “This marks France’s 11th interdiction of illicit narcotics under the CTF-150 flag since the Canadian/Australian team assumed command in January of this year, which is one third of our total.  The Marine Nationale remains tireless in their support to our command, disrupting criminal and terrorist activity at sea, and continue to deliver excellence at sea – an extremely trusted and valued partner!” 

The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership of 34 nations which exists to uphold the International Rules-Based Order by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.