Canadian warship intercepts boat carrying $50M worth of cocaine off Mexico
A Canadian warship has returned home to British Columbia after intercepting nearly $50 million worth of cocaine off the coast of Mexico as part of an international counter-narcotics operation.
The coastal defence vessel HMCS Edmonton and its crew of approximately 40 sailors arrived back at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on Friday following a 10-week deployment to the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The deployment was part of Operation Caribbe, a longstanding Canadian commitment to U.S.-led anti-drug trafficking operations in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea.
The coastal defence ship, alongside a pair of U.S. Coast Guard cutters and an American helicopter, intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel off Mexico on April 8.
The Department of National Defence says seven people were arrested and are now in U.S. custody after the boat was found to be carrying 755 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated Canadian street value of $49.5 million.
The seized boat, which the U.S. Coast Guard categorized as a "go-fast vessel" operating more than 320 kilometres off the Mexican coast, was destroyed at sea due to the threat it posed to navigation.
The commanding officer of HMCS Edmonton said he is "extremely proud" of the coordination demonstrated by the Canadian and American sailors on the task force.
A sailor from HMCS Edmonton drives Oiler, one of the ship's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, while two members of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) conduct radio checks prior to searching for jettisoned contraband south of the Mexican coast on April 8, 2023. (Department of National Defence)
"The crew of HMCS Edmonton have worked tirelessly since Operation Caribbe commenced to enhance integration with our United States and Central American partners, which was critical to success in this fast-paced and complex interdiction," Lt.-Cmdr. Tyler Smith said in a statement Friday.
The Canadian navy estimates it has participated in the seizure of 4,591 kilograms of illicit drugs since November 2021, and more than 120 tonnes of cocaine in the past 15 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.