Pakistan Navy seizes $26m worth of hashish in Arabian Sea operation
This screengrab, taken from a handout video released by Pakistan Navy shared on October 17, 2024, shows Pakistan Navy personnel seizing drugs during a targeted operation in the North Arabian Sea. Photo: Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy seized 1.3 tons of narcotics valued at approximately $26 million during a targeted operation in the North Arabian Sea, aimed at disrupting illicit maritime activities, the navy said in a press release on Thursday.
The operation, dubbed “Himalayan Spirit,” was carried out by the Pakistan Navy ship PNS Zulfiqar, part of a combined task force.
The operation was supported by the Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) Kolachi, as well as the US Navy and US Coast Guard vessels operating in nearby waters.
“PNS Zulfiqar, while participating in Focused Operation Himalayan Spirit, successfully interdicted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of hashish,” the navy said.
The operation also involved aerial surveillance provided by the Pakistan Navy and the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.
The navy emphasised the success of the operation as a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring peace and security at critical maritime chokepoints.
This follows a series of similar operations, including a June 2024 seizure of 389 kilograms of drugs and a May 2023 operation where over 4,000 kilograms of hashish were confiscated.