The Pakistan Navy has seized 1,500 kilogrammes of hashish worth nearly $3 million during a regional patrol in the Arabian Sea, marking one of its most significant anti-narcotics interceptions this year.
In a statement on Sunday, the Navy said Pakistan Navy Ship YAMAMA, while deployed on a Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP), conducted the operation that led to the recovery of drugs valued at roughly $3 million.
The force said the interdiction highlights its “unwavering commitment to combating illicit activities and ensuring security in the maritime domain”.
The Navy regularly undertakes RMSP missions to protect national maritime interests through heightened vigilance and sustained presence at sea. Officials said the service also works closely with regional and international partners in coordinated maritime security operations.
The statement noted that Pakistan continues to contribute to broader efforts aimed at ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment across key shipping lanes in the region.
In October, Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook had seized drugs worth more than $972 million in the Arabian Sea, reported Combined Maritime Forces. The seizure was supported by the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of CMF, during CTF 150’s Focused Operation AL MASMAK.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a 47-nation naval partnership promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing the world’s important shipping lanes.
“The success of this focused operation highlights the importance of multi-national collaboration,” said Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150.
“Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook has had one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF, which is directly attributed to the expertise and collaboration of our naval forces within the organization,” he added.
PNS Yarmook intercepted two dhows that were not transmitting on Automatic Identification System (AIS), subsequently identified as having no nationality. On October 18, two tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) worth over $822 million were seized from the first dhow.
Subsequently, 350 kg of ICE worth $140 million and 50 kg of cocaine worth $10 million were seized from the second dhow within 48 hours of the first incident.
President, PM lauds PN for successful anti-narcotics operation
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pakistan Navy for successful anti-narcotics operation.
In a statement, he termed the successful seizure of 1500 kg of narcotics at sea as proof of Pakistan Navy’s high professionalism and effective surveillance.
He said Pakistan Navy’s timely action strengthened the state’s resolve to protect national interests and curb illegal activities.
“Pakistan Navy’s cooperation with regional and international partners reflects Pakistan’s effective role for a safe maritime environment,” he added.
He said, “The state and institutions are determined to completely eliminate all types of illegal activities in the maritime boundaries.”
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Pakistan Navy for stopping smuggling of huge quantity of hashish in the Arabian sea. In a message, he said, “1500 kg of hashish worth about $ 3 million was seized as Pakistan navy’s Yamama ship foiled attempt to smuggle the narcotics.”
He said smuggling at sea will be completely eradicated due to Pakistan Navy’s strict vigilance and professionalism.
“It is commendable that Pakistan Navy is playing an active role in joint and coordinated maritime security efforts with regional and international partners,” he added.