WASINGTON : The Pakistan Navy has earned international praise after a major anti-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea led to the seizure of illegal drugs with an estimated value of nearly one billion US dollars.
The successful mission was carried out by the naval ship PNS Yarmouk, which is part of a multinational maritime force, Combined Task Force 150, led by Saudi Arabia. In a swift 48-hour operation, the crew intercepted two suspicious vessels.
From these boats, the navy confiscated a huge haul of narcotics, including two tonnes of crystal meth, 350 kilograms of the drug ‘ice’, and 50 kilograms of cocaine.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) officially commended the Pakistan Navy for its professionalism and the success of the operation. The Commander of the Royal Saudi Navy, Fahad Al-Juweid, also praised the bust, describing it as an excellent example of effective global cooperation in securing maritime routes.
Also read; Pakistan Navy seizes $ 972m Worth of narcotics in North Arabian Sea
Pakistan Navy Ship YARMOOK has seized narcotics worth nearly USD 972 million during a major counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, officials said on Wednesday.
The operation took place while PNS YARMOOK was deployed under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) that operate to maintain security and stability across international waters.
According to a Pakistan Navy statement, the successful interdiction underscores Pakistan’s commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the fight against illicit trafficking at sea.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, praised the crew of PNS YARMOOK for their professionalism and operational excellence. He said the Pakistan Navy would continue safeguarding national maritime interests while supporting global efforts to combat smuggling and terrorism at sea.
Admiral Ashraf added that PNS YARMOOK’s successful mission under the Saudi-led task force would enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
CTF-150 focuses on countering terrorism, narcotics, and other illegal maritime activities across the high seas of the Indian Ocean Region.
