On the night of 17-18 October 2025, a La Fayette-class frigate (FLF) accompanied by its Panther helicopter successfully carried out a counter-narcotics operation in the Atlantic, off the coast of Madeira. This operation resulted in the seizure of 2,373 kg of cocaine.
This complex operation led by the FLF, reinforced by a naval aviation detachment, involved a Falcon 50 maritime surveillance aircraft, a Panther helicopter and an aircraft from the National Directorate of Customs and Coast Guard. Carried out in coordination with intelligence from the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) (MAOC-N), the operation resulted from an in-depth analysis of the area of operation as well as the patterns observed by the frigate in coordination with land-based air assets.
After relocating the go-fast vessel based on intelligence and a maritime surveillance flight, the frigate deployed its helicopter to the contact. Due to the captain’s refusal to comply, and with the authorization of the maritime prefect, the sailors used armed force to disable the engine and immobilize the go-fast . A visiting team then proceeded to check the vessel’s cargo, confirming the presence of narcotics.
Thanks to the effective coordination of resources and teams, 2,373 kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than 128 million euros, were seized on board the ship.