Over 560 kg of Cocaine Seized in Martinique; Suspect in Custody
Fort-de-France, Martinique – over 561 kilograms of cocaine have been seized in Martinique, leading to the arrest and indictment of a suspected smuggler. The operation, conducted by the Martinique gendarmerie with support from the GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group), highlights the ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
According to the prosecution, authorities intercepted a suspect who was about to dock a vessel. A search revealed a falsely registered utility vehicle nearby containing twenty bundles, each holding multiple loaves of a substance suspected to be cocaine, carefully packaged in cellophane.Markings on the packages suggest a South American origin.
The seized cocaine, weighing 561.3 kg, was transported under escort to a secure location for destruction. A subsequent search of the suspect’s home uncovered approximately fifteen 9mm caliber ammunition rounds.
The arrested individual was presented to magistrates in Fort-de-France on January 27th and was formally indicted and placed in pre-trial detention.
The inquiry is now being led by the caribbean branch of OFAST (Office Central de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupéfiants – Central Office for the Fight against Drug Trafficking), with assistance requested through a rogatory commission to further investigate the international trafficking network involved.
This case underscores the increasing organization of criminal activity in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with nearly 90 homicides recorded in 2023, according to recent reports. OFAST has previously warned of the “existential threat” posed by drug trafficking to France, emphasizing the scale of the criminal market.
Sources:
* (General knowledge of GIGN and OFAST roles in French law enforcement)