French Navy's Major Cocaine Seizures Spotlight Global Drug Trafficking Fight

The French Navy seized over 4 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia and intercepted another vessel carrying drugs in the Caribbean. With rising gang-related drug crime, France is enhancing efforts against trafficking. French forces seek collaboration after reporting cocaine's dominance over cannabis in national drug use.

The French Navy has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, recently seizing over 4 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia. The operation, conducted with intelligence from French and New Zealand customs, resulted in the interception of a suspicious vessel containing 174 packages of illicit cargo.

Earlier drug busts have been notable as well, with nearly 5 tonnes of cocaine seized on January 16 in the same region. The drugs, not intended for Polynesia, were destroyed while the vessel was released according to international law.

In a related operation, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the interception of 678 kg of cocaine in the Caribbean, which was subsequently turned over to Barbadian authorities. This effort comes amidst growing concerns over the prevalence of cocaine in France, spurring international collaboration spearheaded by France to curb the rising tide of drug trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies.)