French naval forces have intercepted a vessel carrying hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean and handed the shipment over to authorities in Barbados, as Paris steps up pressure on international drug trafficking networks.
The operation, announced by France’s Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin, shows growing concern about the scale of cocaine flows moving through the Caribbean and into Europe. The seizure comes amid broader efforts by France, the United States, and regional partners to disrupt supply routes and curb organised crime tied to the trade.
Vautrin said about 678 kilograms of cocaine were recovered during the interception. The drugs were transferred to Barbadian authorities for further investigation and legal action, she confirmed in a public statement.
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The operation reflects a wider security push by France in overseas territories across the Caribbean and Latin America, where traffickers increasingly use maritime routes to move narcotics toward European markets.
French officials say naval patrols and joint operations with regional partners have intensified in recent months, targeting suspected trafficking corridors and maritime smuggling networks.
Authorities link rising drug activity to organised criminal groups operating across several continents, often using small vessels to evade detection before transferring cargo to larger distribution channels.
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France’s security posture has shifted as law enforcement agencies report a surge in gang activity linked to cocaine distribution. Officials also point to growing demand in Europe, which has turned the region into a major destination for trafficked narcotics.
A recent report by the French Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction found that cocaine has overtaken cannabis as the leading illegal drug in France, highlighting a shift in consumption patterns and criminal revenue streams.
Officials warn that drug trafficking is fueling violence and strengthening organised crime networks across the country. During a recent diplomatic visit to Colombia, France’s foreign minister outlined a multi-pronged plan to counter the surge, focusing on cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean states.
Paris is also advocating for a European Union sanctions framework targeting trafficking networks and their financial backers.
Authorities say the Barbados seizure forms part of an ongoing regional strategy combining intelligence sharing, naval patrols, and law enforcement coordination.
