Pakistan Navy Seizes $1 Billion Worth of Narcotics in Joint Operation

The Pakistan Navy has made a significant capture in the fight against narcotics, seizing an estimated $1 billion worth of narcotics in the Arabian Sea during a joint operation with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The operation took place over a 48-hour period, with the Pakistan Navy ship PNS Yarmook intercepting two sailing vessels that were identified as having no nationality. The seized narcotics include several tonnes of crystal methamphetamine and a small quantity of cocaine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pakistan Navy has seized an estimated $1 billion worth of narcotics in the Arabian Sea, making it one of the most significant seizures in recent history.
  • The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational naval partnership that includes the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • The seized narcotics include several tonnes of crystal methamphetamine and a small quantity of cocaine, which were intercepted from two sailing vessels with no nationality.
  • The operation was led by Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of the CMF task force, who praised the Pakistan Navy's success.
  • This is not the first time the Pakistan Navy has made a significant seizure of narcotics, with CMF website reporting a previous seizure of over $120 million worth of illicit narcotics on 28 September.

Statistics:

  • Estimated value of seized narcotics: $1 billion (£820 million)
  • Value of previously seized narcotics on 28 September: $120 million (£98 million)
  • Total value of seized narcotics: $1.12 billion (£996 million)
  • Time period of operation: 48 hours
  • Country of operation: Arabian Sea
  • Countries involved in the operation: Pakistan, United States, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia

Sources:

  • Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) statement
  • U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) post on X (formerly Twitter)
  • Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) website