The French navy has revealed its biggest seizure of drugs at sea in the Gulf of Guinea.
The internationally coordinated operation resulted in the discovery of more than 6 tonnes of cocaine on the 4,400-dwt general cargoship Najlan (built 1992) on Sunday.
The move to intercept the vessel was led by France's Atlantic and Brest prosecutor's office, based on intelligence forwarded by the French anti-drug agency OFAST and the Dutch police.
The Lisbon-based Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) and Europol were also involved, together with Brazilian authorities.
The Indian-owned vessel had left Rio de Janeiro earlier in this month, bound for Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
The ship was boarded by personnel from the French amphibious assault ship Dixmude, the navy said, with the agreement of flag state St Kitts and Nevis.
No details were given on where the drugs were found.
Crew members were not held and the vessel has continued on its route.
The Najlan is operated by Nodens Marine of India, which could not be contacted.
"The excellent cooperation between both French and international anti-drug agencies, supported by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs, allowed this exceptional result," the navy said.
Organised crime in focus
"This demonstrates the effectiveness of the French government action at sea to protect borders and fight against organised crime."
Judicial investigations are ongoing.
The incident shows that trafficking remains a threat for vessels.
In February, a bunker tanker crew allegedly sank their ship after it was intercepted with 3 tonnes of cocaine on board.
The incident occurred off Ribadeo, north-western Spain, police said.
Footage released by the Guardia Civil showed officers boarding the vessel, followed by shots of it partially submerged, before the tanker sank beneath the waves.
