British ships have seized one of the world's biggest drug hauls after a high-speed sunset operation netted tonnes of cocaine with a street value of £350 million (€515 million).
The joint operation - involving the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary - saw a cargo ship off Miami raided on Wedneday. Three and a half tonnes of cocaine, which had been stashed in sacks, were recovered.
Defence Secretary John Reid said: "This is another great success for the Royal Navy in countering the trafficking of illegal drugs, which destroy the lives of families in the United Kingdom and around the world.
"The professional crews of HMS Southamptonand RFA Grey Roverdeserve huge credit for dealing another massive blow to the drug barons that would attack our society."