More Than 1,300 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized by HMCS William Hall in Caribbean, Defence Department Says
On May 29 and 31, HMCS William Hall and an embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment seized more than 1,300 kilograms of cocaine during two maritime patrols in the Caribbean Sea, according to the Department of National Defence.
The Department of National Defence stated that these seizures occurred as part of Operation CARIBBE, which is Canada’s contribution to United States-led efforts to counter drug trafficking in international waters. The operation is part of broader multinational missions aimed at intercepting illegal narcotics in the region.
According to the Department of National Defence, rescue boats from HMCS William Hall were used to intercept vessels during the patrols, leading to the seizures. Operation CARIBBE takes place under the United States-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations managed by Joint Interagency Task Force South and includes the participation of several partner nations.
The Department of National Defence noted that the Canadian Armed Forces have supported Operation CARIBBE since 2006 by deploying ships and aircraft to the Caribbean Sea. In 2025, these activities continue as part of efforts to support the broader United States-led Operation MARTILLO, which targets drug trafficking in international waters.
A memorandum of understanding signed in 2010 permits United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments to operate aboard Royal Canadian Navy ships and aircraft during Operation CARIBBE, according to the Department of National Defence.
According to the Department of National Defence, HMCS William Hall is the second Royal Canadian Navy ship assigned to Operation CARIBBE in 2025. Earlier in the year, HMCS Harry DeWolf returned to Halifax following a deployment that resulted in the seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.