cocaine

France's Atlantic Maritime Prefecture said "seamless cooperation by national and international actors" in the fight against narcotics had led to the "remarkable seizure" of 9.6 tonnes of cocaine.

"We have a long history of collaborating with American agencies and other agencies of carrying out maritime seizures of cocaine," he said.

The DEA estimates that just 8% of cocaine that is trafficked into the U.S. passes through Venezuelan territory.

Two "slick and professional" drug dealers who hid cash and cocaine in an old quarry have been jailed.

Colombian national Didier Reyes, 40, of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty to importing cocaine at a previous hearing.