Pubdate: Fri, 11 Nov 2016
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Page: A4

NAVY VESSEL HELPS IN $35M DRUG SEIZURE

An Esquimalt-based navy ship helped intercept 14 bales of cocaine
worth more than $35 million off the Central America coast last weekend.

HMCS Brandon was assisting the U.S. Coast Guard with Operation
Caribbe, an ongoing multinational campaign to bust trafficking and
organized crime at sea.

The Department of National Defence said a coast guard aircraft spotted
suspected smugglers in a panga-style fishing vessel on Nov. 5. The
boat's crew were throwing plastic-wrapped objects into the water.

The Canadian navy ship launched two rigid-hulled inflatable boats to
recover the floating items, while the coast guard went after the crew.
The suspected smugglers got away.

The jettisoned objects were retrieved and tested, revealing bales
containing more than 700 kilograms of cocaine.

Lt.-Cmdr. Jolene Lisi, commanding officer of HMCS Brandon, said the
operation means fewer illicit drugs will reach North America. "This
latest seizure serves not only as a testament to the dedication and
hard work by the crew of HMCS Brandon and the U.S. Coast Guard law
enforcement detachment, but to their ability to work in concert."

The Canadian Armed Forces have intercepted about 3,630 kilograms of
cocaine and 1,520 kilograms of marijuana since February. This was the
first intercept for HMCS Brandon's current mission.

The Kingston-class defence ship left Victoria on Oct. 6 with 39
Canadian sailors. It is expected back to Vancouver Island
mid-December.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt