Frigate intercepts Iraqi contraband

HMS Argyll arrives back in Plymouth from the Gulf

A South West-based frigate discovered more than 10,000 tonnes of smuggled oil during deployment in the Gulf.

HMS Argyll returned to Devonport on Thursday after spending six months as part of an international task force.

She sailed alongside ships from America, Australia, Canada and Japan enforcing United Nations trade sanctions on Iraq.

Her crew boarded 113 vessels and discovered tonnes of oil and other goods heading for Saddam Hussein's regime.

I am very proud of the 186 men and women in my crew

HMS Argyll captain John Kingwell

Before leaving Devonport, the ship was fitted with a new command and control system that allowed it to track ships more accurately and board them.

The ship's commanding officer, Captain John Kingwell, said it had been a hugely successful trip.

"We intercepted a huge amount of illegal goods trying to come into Iraq as part of the UN regulations in the area," he said.

Illegal contraband

"We also challenged, boarded and searched every commercial vessel that left Iraq and discovered a huge amount of illegal contraband.

"I am very proud of the 186 men and women in my crew."

During her time away, the ship visited eight countries, including Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The ship will not return to duty again until the end of January.