In a groundbreaking operation, the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent has seized £160 million worth of cocaine from a “narco-submarine” in the Caribbean Sea—the first time the Royal Navy has intercepted such a vessel. This significant bust is the latest in a series of eight successful operations over seven months, during which the Portsmouth-based ship has prevented nearly £750 million of narcotics from reaching the streets of the UK and beyond.
The operation was a collaborative effort alongside the US Coast Guard and a US Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The ship’s boarding team, comprising US Coast Guard personnel, Royal Marines from 47 Commando, and specialist sailors, boarded the semi-submersible vessel approximately 190 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic. They seized 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, delivering another substantial blow to the Caribbean drug trade.
Commander Tim Langford, HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, praised his team’s efforts: “It has been a busy yet rewarding eight months for Trent whilst deployed to the Caribbean, and this latest seizure reinforces the utility of the Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels in delivering this vital tasking. My skilled team and our embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment fought challenging conditions to interdict this semi-submersible—rarely seen in the Caribbean—and were rewarded with another record haul. These operations are a team effort and require involvement from every single member of my crew irrespective of their usual role—they can be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”
This eighth drugs bust took place on 26 August, just 72 hours after Trent’s previous successful interdiction, in which 462 kilograms of cocaine worth £37 million were seized. In that earlier operation, about 90 nautical miles north of the narco-sub interception point, a high-speed night-time pursuit by Trent’s sea boats led to the apprehension of two suspects and the seizure of 12 bales of drugs, which were handed over to US authorities.
With a total of 9,459 kilograms of drugs seized—valued at nearly £750 million—HMS Trent surpasses HMS Argyll as the Royal Navy’s most successful hunter of smugglers this century. HMS Argyll had previously held the record with a £620 million tally, including busts during Caribbean patrols in 2014.
These successful interceptions disrupt transnational criminal organisations and underscore the Royal Navy’s vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law both at home and abroad. This mission is more crucial than ever, as the flow of drugs to Europe and the UK—where an estimated 117 tonnes are consumed annually—continues to grow significantly.
HMS Trent remains on patrol in the Caribbean, offering a reassuring presence to British Overseas Territories during hurricane season (from June to November) and working tirelessly to stem the flow of illegal cargo through the region. On board are around 50 specialists in disaster relief operations, including the Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando Royal Engineers. The ship is equipped with tools to repair damaged infrastructure and carries life-saving medical supplies.
Enhancing its operational capabilities, HMS Trent utilises a drone system called the Puma, operated by 700X Naval Air Squadron, which provides vital reconnaissance and surveillance. The ship recently visited the British Virgin Islands, where crew members assisted with repairs on Tortola after Tropical Storm Ernesto swept through the region.
For military veterans, this operation highlights the enduring commitment and effectiveness of Royal Navy personnel and their international partners in combating illicit activities. The success of HMS Trent is a testament to the skill, dedication, and teamwork of those who serve, reaffirming the critical role our armed forces play in safeguarding not just the UK, but international waters as well.
Image: Royal Navy Patrol Ship HMS Trent Seizes Drugs in the Caribbean. Image from Royal Navy