A Royal Navy frigate seized £65million of cannabis and heroin from a fishing boat in the Indian Ocean.
Sailors and Royal Marines from Plymouth-based HMS Monmouth destroyed 455kg of cannabis and 266kg of heroin after finding it hidden in the trawler’s freezer.
The teams spent 60 hours searching the vessel for narcotics before eventually finding them stashed beneath three tonnes of ice.
Commander Ian Feasey, HMS Monmouth’s commanding officer, said: ‘Such a substantial seizure of drugs will deal a significant blow to the international narcotics trade, which is known to provide funding for terrorist organisations.
‘I am extremely proud of the professionalism, diligence and perseverance of my boarding team to achieve a result in such arduous conditions.
‘This has been an effort by the whole ship’s company and their efforts speak volumes about the Royal Navy’s ability and commitment to preventing illegal activity on the high seas.’
Lieutenant Alison Ross, one of HMS Monmouth’s boarding officers, said: ‘After such a long search I had doubts we would find anything, but the reactions of the crew to our activity in certain areas were enough to convince us that there was illegal cargo.
‘Eventually, the breakthrough was made and we could bring the operation to a close, having successfully put a stop to the progress of the drugs.’
HMS Monmouth will now continue its patrols of the Indian Ocean as part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150), a coalition of warships with a mission to promote maritime security in order to counter terrorist acts and related illegal activities.