Pakistan Navy foils drug-smuggling attempt, seizes nearly $3m worth of hashish in Arabian Sea

Pakistan Navy Ship YAMAMA, deployed on Regional Maritime Security Patrol, conducted the operation

The Pakistan Navy has seized 1,500 kilogrammes of hashish worth nearly $3 million during a regional patrol in the Arabian Sea, marking one of its most significant anti-narcotics interceptions this year.

In a statement on Sunday, the Navy said Pakistan Navy Ship YAMAMA, while deployed on a Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP), conducted the operation that led to the recovery of drugs valued at roughly $3 million.

The force said the interdiction highlights its “unwavering commitment to combating illicit activities and ensuring security in the maritime domain”.

The Navy regularly undertakes RMSP missions to protect national maritime interests through heightened vigilance and sustained presence at sea. Officials said the service also works closely with regional and international partners in coordinated maritime security operations.

PNS YAMAMA deployed on Regional Maritime Security Patrol in the Arabian Sea, seized 1,500 kg of hashish worth nearly USD 3 million, reaffirming PN’s steadfast commitment to countering illicit activities and ensuring a secure maritime environment. pic.twitter.com/POz8VpMxoH

— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) December 7, 2025

The statement noted that Pakistan continues to contribute to broader efforts aimed at ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment across key shipping lanes in the region.

In October, Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook had seized drugs worth more than $972 million in the Arabian Sea, reported Combined Maritime Forces. The seizure was supported by the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of CMF, during CTF 150’s Focused Operation AL MASMAK.

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a 47-nation naval partnership promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing the world's important shipping lanes.

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“The success of this focused operation highlights the importance of multi-national collaboration,” said Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150.

“Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook has had one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF, which is directly attributed to the expertise and collaboration of our naval forces within the organization,” he added.

PNS Yarmook intercepted two dhows that were not transmitting on Automatic Identification System (AIS), subsequently identified as having no nationality. On October 18, two tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) worth over $822 million were seized from the first dhow.

Subsequently, 350 kg of ICE worth $140 million and 50 kg of cocaine worth $10 million were seized from the second dhow within 48 hours of the first incident.