French helicopter carrier FS Tonnerre intercepts ship with 4,600 kilograms of cocaine worth $158,000,000

A ship with 4,600 kilograms of cocaine on board was detained off the coast of Sierra Leone. The interception operation took place on November 30.

Here's What We Know

The 21-meter-long ship carrying drugs was headed from Brazil to Europe. On board there were found 4,600 kg of cocaine. The value of the shipment is estimated at €150 million (almost $158 million). Interpol, intelligence services of the United States, Britain, France, Brazil, and the Center for Maritime Analysis and Operations took part in the operation.

The French Navy's helicopter carrier FS Tonnerre was used to intercept the ship carrying the drugs. The ship completed an overhaul this summer and has been in West African waters since October as part of Operation Corymbe.

FS Tonnerre is a Mistral class helicopter carrier. It is 199 meters long and has a displacement of 21,500 tons. The ship has hangars and decks for 16 helicopters. Also on the decks can be placed 60 armored vehicles or 13 tanks.

Source: Defense Brief