Pakistan Navy Seizes Narcotics Worth $1 Billion in Major Seizure off Arabian Coast
PNS Yarmook intercepts two vessels in less than 48 hours; US and regional partners commend success of Operation Al Masmak
Dubai — In a significant maritime operation, the Pakistan Navy (PN) has intercepted two illicit vessels off the coast of the Arabian Sea, seizing narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding $972 million. The drugs, including crystal methamphetamine and cocaine, were discovered aboard two dhow sailing boats within 48 hours, according to a statement from the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) on Tuesday.
The operation, part of the ongoing multinational effort to combat drug trafficking in the region, was conducted by the Pakistani naval ship, PNS Yarmook. The vessels, which lacked proper identification or nationality markings, were intercepted as part of a larger effort to curb the flow of illicit substances across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
Massive Drug Bust: Over Two Tons of Methamphetamine Seized
The first seizure occurred on October 18, when PNS Yarmook’s crew boarded a vessel and found over two tons of crystal methamphetamine (known as “ICE”) worth approximately $822.4 million. Less than 48 hours later, another dhow was intercepted, carrying 350 kilograms of ICE valued at $140 million, as well as 50 kilograms of cocaine worth $10 million. The narcotics were safely transported back to the naval vessel, tested, and later destroyed.
The operation highlights the critical role of maritime forces in disrupting the illicit drug trade in the region. According to the US Central Command, the seizure was one of the most successful narcotics busts for CMF to date.
International Cooperation in Operation Al Masmak
This operation is part of a broader multinational initiative, Operation Al Masmak, which began on October 16. Led by Saudi Arabia and involving the naval forces of Pakistan, France, Spain, and the United States, Operation Al Masmak focuses on enhancing regional security and maritime safety. The operation underscores the vital role of cooperative efforts in maintaining security across the 3.2 million square miles of water patrolled by CMF, which includes some of the world’s most strategic shipping lanes.
The CMF’s mission extends beyond narcotics interdiction, aiming to prevent the movement of weapons and other illicit goods in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.
Pakistan Navy’s Role in Global Maritime Security
The Pakistan Navy’s Director General of Public Relations (DGPR) hailed the successful operation, emphasizing the PN’s ongoing commitment to regional stability and the global fight against maritime crime. In a statement, the DGPR praised the professionalism of the PNS Yarmook crew and reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a responsible maritime partner in safeguarding international waters.
Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, commended the crew for their outstanding efforts, highlighting the PN’s determination to protect national interests while contributing to global maritime security through collaborative efforts with international partners.
The CMF’s ongoing operations demonstrate the importance of joint efforts in combating illicit trafficking and ensuring maritime stability, with Pakistan continuing to play an integral role in these critical initiatives.
