In a coordinated multinational operation, the PNS Yarmook intercepted two stateless vessels, confiscating several tons of crystal meth and cocaine in one of the most significant drug interdictions for the Combined Maritime Force.
DUBAI: The Pakistani Navy has executed a major high-seas narcotics seizure, confiscating illegal drugs with an estimated street value of over $972 million from sailboats in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The CMF, a multinational naval partnership including the United States, reported that the Pakistani naval ship PNS Yarmook interdicted two different dhow sailing vessels within a 48-hour period last week. The operation yielded several tons of crystal methamphetamine and a smaller quantity of cocaine.
The intercepted boats were “identified as having no nationality,” the CMF statement noted, without disclosing their point of origin.
Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, who commands the CMF task force conducting the operation, described the seizure as “one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF.”
The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) detailed the operation on social media, confirming that the PNS Yarmook conducted boarding operations on two dhows that were not transmitting identification signals and displayed no external markings.
According to Centcom, the crew boarded the first dhow on October 18, seizing over two tons of crystal meth with an estimated value of $822.4 million. Less than two days later, a second dhow was boarded, resulting in the seizure of 350 kg of crystal meth valued at $140 million and 50 kg of cocaine worth $10 million. The narcotics were transported to the Pakistani ship for testing to confirm their contents before being disposed of.
This operation was part of the focused “Operation Al Masmak,” which began on October 16. The initiative demonstrates a coordinated multinational effort to enhance regional security, with Saudi Arabia directing naval assets from Pakistan, France, Spain, and the United States.
In a statement, the Pakistan Navy’s Director General of Public Relations said, “This remarkable achievement highlights PN’s unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.” The statement added that the successful operation by PNS Yarmook reaffirms Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the crew of PNS Yarmook for their professionalism and dedication, reiterating the Navy’s steadfast mission to safeguard national maritime interests while contributing to global security through cooperative efforts.
