Pakistan Navy seizes $96m worth of narcotics

The Pakistan Navy has seized narcotics worth around $96 million during two separate counter-narcotics operations in the Arabian Sea.

The operations were conducted by Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook at considerable distances from the Pakistani coast. The seizures were made during maritime patrols aimed at preventing illegal trafficking at sea.

According to military authorities, naval personnel intercepted two vessels, known as dhows, during the operations. The vessels were searched after being stopped at sea.

The teams recovered around 850 kilogrammes of ice and 2,000 kilogrammes of hashish or cannabis. The drugs had been concealed in compartments inside the vessels.

The seized narcotics have been taken into custody. They will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further action and legal proceedings.

Military authorities said the successful operations reflected the Pakistan Navy’s continued vigilance in the Arabian Sea. They also highlighted the navy’s role in protecting maritime security and preventing the illegal movement of drugs through regional waters.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the Pakistan Navy for the operations. He said the navy’s efforts to prevent illegal activities within Pakistan’s maritime boundaries were commendable.

The president also appreciated the navy’s readiness and continued vigilance against drug trafficking at sea. He said such operations were important for strengthening maritime security in the region.

The latest seizures are part of a series of counter-narcotics operations conducted by the Pakistan Navy in recent months.

Last month, the navy seized narcotics estimated to be worth around $750 million during a joint operation in the Arabian Sea. Pakistan Navy ships Hunain and Yarmook took part in that operation.

In June, naval personnel recovered around two tonnes of narcotics near Gwadar. The seizure included approximately 1,500 kilogrammes of hashish and 500 kilogrammes of ice. The drugs were estimated to be worth around $215 million in the international market.

The navy also carried out a major seizure in October last year, recovering narcotics valued at more than $972 million from sailboats operating in the Arabian Sea.

The latest operations underline Pakistan’s continued efforts to prevent drug trafficking through its maritime routes and strengthen security across the Arabian Sea.