Pakistan Navy seizes drugs worth nearly $1 billion in Arabian Sea
The Combined Maritime Force (CMF), a naval partnership that includes the United States, said a Pakistani naval vessel intercepted two different dhows within 48 hours last week.
Dubai: A Pakistani naval vessel has seized more than $972 million worth of drugs from sailing boats in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement released Tuesday by the naval network that monitors the operation.
The PNS Yarmouk conducted boarding operations on two dhows, according to US Centcom; neither vessel was transmitting on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) or displaying any external markings, and both were later identified as having no nationality.
“The crew boarded the first dhow on October 18 and seized more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) with an estimated street value of $822,400,000. Less than 48 hours later, the crew boarded the second dhow and seized 350 kilograms of ICE with an estimated street value of $1400,000,000,000. $10,000,000,” the US military said, adding that the drugs were taken back to the ship for testing to confirm the contents and later disposal.
Meanwhile, Focused Operation Al-Masmak began on October 16 and has successfully demonstrated a coordinated multinational approach to enhancing regional security and maritime safety, with Saudi Arabia coordinating Pakistani, French, Spanish, and U.S. naval assets.
CTF 150’s mission is to disrupt and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to transport weapons, narcotics, and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman.
Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the PN’s Director General Public Relations (DGPR) said in a statement: “This remarkable achievement highlights the PN’s unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illegal smuggling at sea.
“The successful operation of PNS Yarmouk reaffirms Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner contributing to peace and security in the wider Indian Ocean region.”
The navy spokesperson also said that Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf appreciated the professionalism and dedication of the crew of PNS Yarmouk and reiterated that the PN “remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests and is playing its role globally through cooperative and coordinated security efforts.”
What's Your Reaction?
