17. To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the Royal Navy is playing in the prevention of cocaine smuggling in the Caribbean. (142926)

The Royal Navy makes a major contribution to international counter drug operations in the Caribbean as one element of the UK's broader counter drugs engagement in the region. During 2006-07 Royal Navy vessels were involved in the seizure of over 17 tonnes of cocaine, with a street value in the UK of £680 million.