MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Southampton in record drug haul

HMS Southampton and RFA Grey Rover until recently posted in the Falkland Islands were involved in the seizure in the Caribbean of a cargo ship with three and half tons of cocaine with a street value in the United Kingdom of some £ 350 million, reports the Royal Navy.

The joint operation began when the guided missile destroyer HMS Southampton was replenishing fuel from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Grey Rover whilst working closely with the United States Coastguard and Royal Netherlands Navy authorities.

Following the detection of a suspect vessel of interest, Southampton broke away from the replenishment to lead the charge at nearly 30 knots to form a coordinated pincer movement with Grey Rover to surprise the vessel. Southampton's Lynx Helicopter was launched and intercepted the vessel as the ships appeared over the horizon.

The vessel, MV Rampage, which had apparently earlier had a different name, was taken completely by surprise, as boarding teams from both Southampton and Grey Rover swooped in by fast rigid inflatable boat at sunset. After a search of the vessel, a large number of cocaine bales were discovered packed in a forward section.

"This was a particularly well coordinated operation. The success of this seizure will send a clear message of determination to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs - and we are good at it!" said Commander Rob Vitali Commanding Officer of HMS Southampton.

"Southampton has had a busy operational time, with the ship's recent involvement in two search and rescue incidents. However, it just shows that our presence here in the Caribbean has been extremely worthwhile. The success of this incident highlights the benefits of international and joint collaboration against drug smuggling".

HMS Southampton and RFA Grey Rover have been deployed for just over 5 months on a patrol which has taken them from West Africa, to the Falkland Islands and then Brazil and up into the Caribbean. The Ships' primary mission in the Caribbean is the wider security of the British Overseas Territories, including the provision of a disaster relief capability. However, counter narcotics operations form a major part of their daily work. Both ships return to the UK at the end of February.