ISLAMABAD:
A Pakistani navy ship has seized narcotics worth more than $972 million from sailing ships in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement from the naval network overseeing the operation on Wednesday.
PNS Yarmook, while operating under the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), successfully executed a major counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, resulting in the seizure of narcotics worth approximately $972 million.
The Combined Maritime Force (CMF), a naval partnership that includes the United States, said the Pakistani navy ship last week intercepted two different dhows within 48 hours.
The crew seized several tons of crystal methamphetamine and a smaller quantity of cocaine, the CMF statement said.
The intercepted ships were “identified as having no nationality”, the press release said, without specifying their origin.
It was “one of the CMF’s most successful narcotics seizures,” said Commodore Fahad Aljoiad of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, commander of the CMF task force responsible for the operation.
U.S. Central Command, in a message on
Operating under the multinational CTF-150 which aims to ensure maritime stability and deter terrorism and illegal activities on the high seas, the successful operation of PNS Yarmook reaffirms Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner contributing to peace and security in the wider Indian Ocean region, it added.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated officers and personnel of Pakistan Navy for successfully foiling a major attempt to smuggle narcotics worth billions of rupees.
In separate statements, both leaders praised the Navy’s professional excellence and growing international recognition.
President Zardari described the operation as a matter of national pride and a shining example of the professional capabilities of the Pakistan Navy. He stressed that Yarmook’s success reflected the Navy’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability.
“This major anti-narcotics action highlights Pakistan’s critical role in promoting global peace and maritime security,” the President noted, calling it a fine example of Pak-Saudi mutual cooperation.
He also specially thanked Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the Yarmook crew for their exemplary performance.
The Prime Minister said the officers and personnel of Pakistan Navy were engaged round the clock in protecting the country’s maritime borders.
“The entire nation, including me, is proud of the officers and sailors of the Pakistan Navy,” he added.
