HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife Return from Operation CARIBBE

His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Yellowknife have returned to Esquimalt, British Columbia, after a seven-week deployment on Operation CARIBBE. During this mission, HMCS Yellowknife intercepted a drug smuggling vessel on September 5, 2024, in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard. The operation took place approximately 430 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, resulting in the seizure of about 1,400 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $60 million CAD.

Operation CARIBBE is part of Canada's contribution to the U.S.-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations under Joint Interagency Task Force - South. This initiative focuses on detecting and monitoring illicit trafficking and facilitating interdictions. The operation aims to combat transnational criminal activities at sea and prevent drugs from reaching Canadian shores.

Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, commended the crews of HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife for their performance, highlighting their skill and professionalism in joint operations with American allies. Lieutenant-Commander Tyson Babcock, Commanding Officer of HMCS Yellowknife, also expressed pride in the crews' efforts and their contribution to multinational efforts to curb illicit narcotics flow into North America.

HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife are Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels, designed for coastal surveillance and patrolling. The Royal Canadian Navy has been conducting Operation CARIBBE since November 2006, working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address regional security challenges and disrupt illicit trafficking operations.