On March 1, 2025, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf played a pivotal role in a major drug interdiction operation in the Caribbean Sea, seizing 750 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $18.8 million USD. This operation, conducted as part of Canada’s ongoing contribution to Operation CARIBBE, underscores the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to combating the flow of illegal narcotics into North America and beyond.
The successful seizure was a joint effort involving HMCS Harry DeWolf and an embarked United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET). The operation also received critical support from Colombian air and maritime assets, highlighting the international cooperation that drives Operation CARIBBE. This multinational initiative, led by the United States, aims to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent illicit substances from reaching the streets of Canada, the U.S., and other nations.
On March 1, while patrolling the Caribbean Sea, the crew of HMCS Harry DeWolf identified and intercepted a vessel suspected of carrying illegal narcotics. The USCG LEDET, operating from the Canadian ship, conducted the boarding and subsequent search, uncovering 750 kilograms of cocaine. The seized drugs represent a significant blow to the trafficking organizations that fuel crime and addiction across the continent.
Operation CARIBBE: A 19-Year Legacy
Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s long-standing contribution to the U.S.-led counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. For 19 years, the Royal Canadian Navy has deployed ships like HMCS Harry DeWolf to work alongside international partners in disrupting the drug trade. The operation not only targets the supply of illegal substances but also aims to dismantle the criminal networks that profit from them.
Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, praised the efforts of the Harry DeWolf crew and their partners. “Every kilogram of illegal narcotics seized during Operation CARIBBE is a kilogram that won’t make it to the streets of Canada, the United States, or elsewhere around the world,” he said. “Bravo Zulu to everybody who assisted with this significant seizure.”
HMCS Harry DeWolf, an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), is uniquely suited for missions like Operation CARIBBE. Commissioned in 2021, the ship is designed for operations in challenging environments, from icy Arctic waters to the open seas of the Caribbean. Its versatility and advanced capabilities make it an invaluable asset in Canada’s efforts to enhance maritime security and support international law enforcement.
This is not the first time Harry DeWolf has made headlines for its role in drug interdiction. In November 2021, while deployed on Operation CARIBBE, the ship assisted in seizing 1,300 kilograms of cocaine off the west coast of Mexico, further proving its effectiveness in counter-narcotics operations.
A Broader Impact
The seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine is more than just a statistic—it represents a tangible disruption to the drug trade. With a street value of $18.8 million, the haul could have fueled countless criminal enterprises and devastated communities had it reached its intended destinations. By intercepting this shipment, HMCS Harry DeWolf and its partners have struck a blow against the cycle of addiction, violence, and exploitation that accompanies the narcotics trade.
The operation also comes at a time of heightened focus on drug trafficking in North America. With debates over border security and the flow of substances like fentanyl making headlines, Canada’s contributions to Operation CARIBBE demonstrate a proactive approach to tackling these challenges on an international stage.