More Weed Up in Smoke as Crew Torches Marijuana Cargo in Mediterranean

Photo: Frigate division of the French Navy in Toulon harbour.

The French Navy confirmed on Thursday that it seized a record amount of cannabis in the Mediterranean after intercepting a trafficking ship transporting about 20 tons of marijuana estimated to be worth up to US$66 million.

The Luna-S, a Tanzania-flagged vessel, was intercepted by the French navy in international waters between Italy and Algeria. The vessel’s eight Syrian crewmembers set the marijuana on fire, destroying a good part of the illegal weed. This is the second incident of its kind in the last week. The drug ship was taken under control by the French authorities and towed to the southern port city of Toulon. 

The Syrian crewmen will be tried in France and could face up to 10 years in prison. Tanzania granted French authorities permission to stop and inspect the ship and try the suspects.

The Luna-S left Morocco and appeared headed for Egypt.