Pakistan Navy Seizes Nearly $1 Billion in Arabian Sea Narcotics Bust

Islamabad, Oct 22 (PTI) Pakistan's naval forces have intercepted and seized narcotics valued at nearly USD 1 billion in the Arabian Sea, an operation orchestrated with the support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a coalition comprised of 47 nations.

The operation was spearheaded by the Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook, which operated under the guidance of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 from CMF, and successfully confiscated drugs worth over USD 972 million during 'Operation Al Masmak,' initiated on October 16.

The CMF is a comprehensive naval alliance dedicated to ensuring security and promoting stability across 3.2 million square miles of vital maritime routes.

According to a statement released by the CMF on Tuesday, the PNS Yarmook intercepted two dhows that failed to broadcast their Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals and were later identified as stateless vessels.

On October 18, authorities seized two tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) with an estimated value of more than USD 822 million from the first dhow.

Within 48 hours, from the second dhow, authorities secured an additional 350 kg of ICE worth USD 140 million alongside 50 kg of cocaine valued at USD 10 million.

"The outstanding results of this targeted operation underscore the critical role of international cooperation," stated Commodore Fahad Aljoiad of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, who commands CTF 150.

Operation AL MASMAK was launched with the goal of disrupting the illicit movements of non-state actors, concentrating on thwarting drug trafficking and the exchange of unlawful substances across the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.

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