RFA DRUGS HAUL

www.rmt.org.uk :: march 2006 :: RMTnews 15 SHIPPING UK ships seized a huge £350 million drugs cache after a high-speed operation in the Caribbean netted three-and-a- half tonnes of cocaine. The raid, on a cargo ship off the coast of Miami, was carried out by the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary using HMS Southampton and RFA Grey Rover (right). After the cargo ship was spotted, HMS Southampton broke off from refuelling and led the charge at nearly 30 knots to corner the MV Rampage in a surprise pincer movement with the tanker, RFA Grey Rover. A Lynx helicopter from HMS Southampton intercepted the drug runners as the ships appeared over the horizon. A spokesman said: "The vessel, MV Rampage, which had apparently earlier had a different name, was taken completely by surprise, as boarding teams from both Southampton and Grey Rover swooped in by fast rigid inflatable boat at sunset. "After a search of the vessel, a large number of cocaine bales were discovered, packed in a forward section". HMS Southampton had been working closely with the United States Coastguard and Royal Netherlands Navy authorities. The cargo ship and her crew are currently being held by the US Coastguard Authority, based in Miami. HMS Southampton's Commanding Officer Rob Vitali said that it was a particularly well co-ordinated operation. "The success of this seizure will send a clear message of determination to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs - and we are good at it. "Southampton has had a busy operational time, with the ship's recent involvement in two search-and-rescue incidents," he said. The Royal Navy destroyer and RFA Grey Rover have been on a five-month tour which has taken in West Africa, the Falkland Islands, Brazil and the Caribbean. Their primary mission in the Caribbean is the security of British Overseas Territories - including helping with disaster relief - but anti-drugs work forms "a major part" of their daily work. Both ships are due to return to Britain in the spring when Grey Rover will be decommissioned before being sold to the Chilean Navy. RFA DRUGS HAUL