Pakistan Navy has carried out one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in the Arabian Sea, seizing drugs worth 972.4mn US dollars (about 272bn rupees).
The successful operation reinforced Pakistan Navy’s reputation as a professional maritime force committed to regional security and global maritime stability.
According to details, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook, operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), intercepted two suspicious vessels during a 48-hour period as part of Focused Operation Al Masmak. Neither vessel displayed identification markings or transmitted on the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
During the first interception on 18 October, the crew recovered more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine valued at 822.4mn US dollars. Within the next 48 hours, they seized 350 kilograms of methamphetamine worth 140mn US dollars and 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at 10mn US dollars from another dhow. The recovered drugs were tested onboard and later destroyed in accordance with international procedures.
The U.S. Central Command and Royal Saudi Naval Forces commended Pakistan Navy for its professionalism and operational excellence. Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF-150, said the success of the operation demonstrated the strength of multinational collaboration. He described PNS Yarmook’s achievement as “one of the most successful narcotics seizures for the Combined Maritime Forces.”
The ongoing Focused Operation Al Masmak, launched on 16 October, involves coordinated efforts by naval forces from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, Spain, and the United States.
Pakistan Navy’s proactive role under CTF-150 reflects its firm commitment to countering smuggling, drug trafficking, and other maritime crimes in international waters. The operation once again highlights Pakistan’s growing leadership in safeguarding regional waters and ensuring maritime security.
