Jill KruseHis Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Yellowknife returned to their home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, after a successful seven-week deployment on Operation CARIBBE.
During this deployment, HMCS Yellowknife intercepted a drug smuggling vessel in close partnership with the embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.
This interdiction, approximately 430 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,400 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $60 million (Canadian).
Rear-Admiral Notes “Outstanding Performance”
“The performance of HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife on Operation CARIBBE was outstanding, bringing great credit to Canada’s Pacific Fleet,” remarked Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific at the homecoming event in September. “The skill and professionalism of both crews, in joint operations with our American allies, enabled the seizure of tens of millions of dollars worth of dangerous narcotics. This impressive seizure showcases how Canada’s Navy contributes to the overall safety of Canadians. Welcome home and congratulations—you’ve earned it.”
The Rear-Admiral described Operation CARIBBE as Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations under the Joint Interagency Task Force—South. He said this Joint Task Force is responsible for conducting interagency and international detection, monitoring operations, and facilitating the interdiction of illicit trafficking.
Photo by Corporal Jay Naples, MARPAC Imaging Services. Image courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Proud of Contribution
Lieutenant-Commander Tyson Babcock, Commanding Officer of HMCS Yellowknife, also thanked the crews of HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife, as well as the embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment team who deployed with him.
“We are proud of our contribution to multinational efforts impeding the flow of illicit narcotics into North America. Through our collaborative efforts, we helped improve the safety and security of Canada.”
HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife are Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels designed for surveillance and patrolling of coastal waters.
Since November 2006
The Royal Canadian Navy has conducted Operation CARIBBE since November 2006. The Navy has been working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address security challenges in the region and disrupt illicit trafficking operations.
Lt. Com. Babcock added that by working closely with partner nations, Canada has helped intercept and seize millions of dollars worth of illicit drugs. “Our navy has played a major role in curbing the flow of trafficking in international waters, particularly near South and Central America.”
