The Pakistan Navy has foiled a major drug smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, confiscating a massive cache of narcotics valued at $130 million, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) Navy on Wednesday.
PNS Tabuk Leads Successful Interception
The operation unfolded when Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Tabuk intercepted a suspicious stateless dhow during a routine patrol. Upon inspection, naval personnel discovered more than 2,000 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice) concealed aboard the vessel. The statement noted that the interdiction was carried out under the Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and in support of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), a Saudi-led component of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
This marks the third major narcotics seizure by Pakistan Navy vessels in the past two months, highlighting the sustained tempo of counter-smuggling operations in the region.
Previous Seizures Worth Nearly $1 Billion
Last month, PNS Yarmook led two significant interdictions in the same waters, confiscating narcotics valued at nearly $1 billion. The CMF later confirmed that several tons of methamphetamine and a smaller quantity of cocaine were recovered during those operations.
Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, who commands the CTF-150 taskforce, previously described the seizures as among the most successful in the coalition’s history. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) also praised Pakistan Navy’s efforts, stating that the operations disrupted the trafficking networks responsible for smuggling narcotics and weapons through critical maritime routes.
Operation Underscores Multinational Security Efforts
The CMF, a 47-nation maritime partnership that includes the United States and key regional allies, is responsible for safeguarding more than 3.2 million square miles of strategic waterways. Pakistan, a longstanding contributor to the coalition, conducts regular patrols to ensure maritime security and counter illicit activity.
DGPR Navy said the latest operation reflects Pakistan Navy’s “enduring resolve and unwavering commitment against illicit trafficking at sea.” The spokesperson added that the scale and precision of the interdiction highlight both the operational capability of Pakistan Navy and the effectiveness of multinational cooperation under CMF.
The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its maritime interests, upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and supporting global efforts to combat criminal and destabilizing activities across international waters.
