On February 1, the French Navy intercepted a substantial shipment of cocaine, totaling 1.4 tons, during an operation in the Atlantic Ocean. This seizure, which is valued at approximately €41 million, highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in international waters. The operation involved a French frigate that acted on intelligence received from the French National Directorate for Customs Intelligence and Investigations (DNRED) and the Anti-Drug Office (OFAST). The intelligence reportedly linked this particular shipment to known trafficking routes from South America.

The suspects involved in the shipment were apprehended and subsequently handed over to Brazilian authorities when the frigate made a scheduled stop. This action emphasizes the collaboration between French and Brazilian law enforcement agencies in addressing drug trafficking, particularly in relation to vessels originating from South America, a region often associated with large-scale drug production and export.

This seizure is part of a broader strategy by the French Navy and customs authorities to monitor and control drug smuggling activities in the Atlantic, a crucial corridor for trafficking operations. The implications of such large seizures are significant, not only in terms of disrupting drug supply chains but also in showcasing the capabilities of naval forces in enforcement operations against organized criminal networks in the region.