HMCS Toronto makes 2nd major drug bust
Navy ship on a mission in undisclosed location on Indian Ocean
A Canadian naval vessel has made another significant drug discovery on its mission in the Indian Ocean.
Crew members from HMCS Toronto searched a boat and found 315 kilograms of heroin on Monday, said Defence Minister Peter MacKay. The crew also found hashish that will be destroyed.
In March, the crew of the frigate was responsible for making one of the largest heroin seizures ever on the high seas. They uncovered more than $150 million worth of drugs.
The area is a key shipping route for the region. After the first drug bust, the commanding officer of HMCS Toronto said that the drugs were likely fueling transnational terrorism organizations.
MacKay didn’t say how much this latest drug bust was worth.
"The actions of HMCS Toronto is a demonstration of the professionalism, leadership and dedication of the Canadian Armed Forces," he said in a statement.
HMCS Toronto left Halifax in January with a crew of 225 on the mission that is set to last at least six months.
The crew are working on Operation Artemis, which includes 27 countries that are focusing on security and counter-terrorism in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.