HMCS Preserver helps U.S. Coast Guard in cocaine bust

The crew of HMCS Preserver kicked off their deployment with a drug bust that recovered 432 kg of cocaine.

Last week, on Oct. 2, the vessel paired up with the United States Coast Guard on the Caribbean Sea.

A release from the Royal Canadian Navy said they spotted avessel that had dumped 15 bags into the water. The bags were filled with cocaine, which has since been destroyed.

Their professionalism and quick reaction led to the successful interception of illicit drugs potentially destined for our shores, the release quoted Lt.-Gen. Stu Beare, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.

HMCS Preserver is in the area as part of Operation Caribbe, which initially began in Nov. 2006. It targets drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea.

The ship left on its latest deployment in mid-September.