French Navy surveillance frigate Ventôse is hoping to establish a joint partnership with Trinidad and Tobago, as drug trafficking continues to thrive across the region.
The grand warship vessel is known globally for its presence in the Caribbean, providing maritime surveillance for French territories such as Martinique, French Guiana and Martinique.
Armed with a maximum speed of 20 knots and a Panther helicopter, the French navy has been able to increase maritime and coastal security across the Caribbean region.
The frigate is currently docked in Port-of-Spain, with its crew hoping to enter into a more “concrete” partnership with the T&T Government to increase their joint combat against drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
At a press conference aboard the vessel yesterday, Commander Matthieu Ruf admitted drug cartels continue to organise themselves more efficiently, making it harder for surveillance.
“It is getting more and more difficult because their behaviour is changing every day. When they know we can catch them while getting this close, from one place to the other place, they try something else. They try it faster. They try it with submarines. They try it by night or by day when we are not there,” Ruf told Guardian Media.
While the Ventôse has led successful operations intercepting vessels and people transporting illegal drugs and weapons, French Ambassador Didier Chabert firmly believes close relations should be established between the T&T Coast Guard and the French Navy to increase their fight against illegal maritime activities.
“We are very much involved in the fight against drug trafficking but also illegal immigration and arms trafficking. It means that France and Trinidad and Tobago face the same challenges as a region. We are all on board to tackle the same security issues and therefore, it is very important to establish proper cooperation between the security forces of both countries…it will be a win-win for both countries,” Chabert said.
