KARACHI: Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook seized narcotics worth $1 billion from sailboats in the Arabian Sea. The Combined Maritime Force (CMF) confirmed the operation in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Successful Interception During Operation Al Masmak
The CMF, a multinational naval partnership led by the United States, said PNS Yarmook intercepted two dhow sailing boats within 48 hours last week. The ship operated in direct support of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 during focused operation Al Masmak, which began on October 16.
Details of the Record-Breaking Seizure
According to the CMF, the crew boarded the first dhow on October 18 and seized over two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth $822.4 million. Less than two days later, they boarded another dhow and recovered 350 kilograms of crystal meth worth $140 million and 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at $10 million.
Testing and Disposal of Seized Drugs
The seized narcotics were brought back to the naval ship for testing to confirm their contents. Following verification, the Pakistan Navy disposed of the illegal substances as per international maritime procedures.
International Forces Praise Pakistan Navy’s Role
Commodore Aljoiad praised the mission, saying it highlighted “the importance of multinational collaboration.” The U.S. Central Command congratulated the CMF via X, noting its 47-nation alliance patrols over three million square miles of ocean to combat drug and weapon smuggling.
Capabilities of PNS Yarmook
Commissioned in Romania in February 2020 and inducted into Pakistan’s naval fleet in December 2020, PNS Yarmook is a state-of-the-art vessel. It features advanced electronic warfare, anti-ship, and anti-air systems and supports simultaneous maritime and aerial operations using unmanned aerial vehicles.
