OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 19, 2014) - Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto successfully disrupted another narcotics shipment during a patrol in the Indian Ocean, as part of Operation ARTEMIS, on January 17, 2014.

Quick Facts

• HMCS Toronto intercepted and boarded the vessel within 40 nautical miles of the coast of Tanzania and discovered 265 bags of heroin weighing more than 280 kilograms.
  
  

• The illicit narcotics were documented and later disposed of, thus ensuring they would not reach their intended recipients.
  
  

• This drug seizure marks HMCS Toronto's ninth narcotics shipment disruption as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. To date she has recovered approximately 8.5 metric tonnes of narcotics.
  
  

• Operation ARTEMIS is the Canadian Armed Forces' current participation in counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea. Canada's commitment to its partners and allies demonstrates the Canadian will to support peace and security in the maritime environment of the greater Middle East region.

Quote

"I commend the crew of the HMCS Toronto, whose tireless work with our allies in the Combined Maritime Forces is intercepting illegal narcotics shipments that would otherwise fund terrorist organizations."

- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence

"It is the ongoing collaboration with our multinational partners that enabled us to achieve a positive outcome in seizing illegal narcotics during our latest boarding."

- Commander Matthew Bowen, Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto

Related Products

• Backgrounder - Operation ARTEMIS

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/operations-abroad-current/op-artemis.page

• Images can be found at www.forcesimages.ca