Pakistan Navy seizes narcotics worth $96m in Arabian Sea: ISPR

Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) YARMOOK seized a large cache of narcotics worth approximately $96 million during two counter-narcotics operations in the Arabian Sea, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.

According to the military's media wing, "PNS YARMOOK, while deployed in the Arabian Sea, conducted two successful counter-narcotics operations at extended ranges from the Pakistani coast."

The statement added that during the operations, two dhows were intercepted and approximately 850kg of Ice and 2,000kg of hashish and cannabis were recovered from concealed compartments inside the vessels.

The statement further said that "the seized narcotics, valued at approximately $96 million," were taken into custody and would subsequently be handed over to the concerned authorities for "further disposal and legal proceedings."

The successful operations reflected the Pakistan Navy’s sustained presence, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to regional maritime security and the fight against illicit trafficking at sea, the statement added.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to and congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its officers on two successful counter-narcotics operations conducted by PNS YARMOOK.

President Zardari praised the Pakistan Navy’s sustained vigilance, preparedness and commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking at sea.

“The Pakistan Navy’s role in preventing illegal activities in maritime waters and safeguarding regional maritime security is commendable,” the president said.

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On September 26, PNS HUNAIN and YARMOOK seized more than 2,800 kilogrammes of narcotics, valued at approximately $750 million, during a joint counter-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea.

ISPR said that the ships were conducting a routine patrol when they intercepted a suspicious boat. A boarding operation was subsequently carried out, during which narcotics were recovered from "concealed compartments."

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the officers and crew for their "professionalism and vigilance". The naval chief also reaffirmed Pakistan Navy's commitment to maritime security and combating illicit trafficking at sea.

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On September 23, the Pakistan Navy and Coast Guard, in coordination with the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC), also confiscated "a sizeable quantity" of liquor and illegal medicines in the Pishukan area of Balochistan.

The joint intelligence-based operation "thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large cache of contraband items" in the area. The operation was carried out on "actionable intelligence."