PNS Yarmook intercepts two dhows and recovers around 850kg of ice and 2,000kg of hashish/cannabis from concealed compartments, ISPR says.
WEB DESK: The Pakistan Navy has seized narcotics valued at approximately $96 million during two counter-narcotics operations in the Arabian Sea, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Wednesday.
The operations were carried out by Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook while deployed in the Arabian Sea at extended ranges from the Pakistani coast.
Two dhows intercepted
According to ISPR, the naval vessel intercepted two dhows during the separate operations.
Navy personnel recovered approximately 850 kilograms of ice — a commonly used term for crystal methamphetamine — along with around 2,000kg of hashish and cannabis.
The narcotics were found concealed inside compartments aboard the vessels, according to the military’s statement.
The seized drugs were valued at approximately $96 million, ISPR said.
Narcotics handed over for legal proceedings
The seized narcotics have been taken into custody and will subsequently be handed over to the relevant authorities for disposal and further legal proceedings, according to ISPR.
The military’s media wing said the operations demonstrated the Pakistan Navy’s continued presence and vigilance in the Arabian Sea and its efforts to counter illicit trafficking through maritime routes.
The Navy said the operations also reflected its commitment to regional maritime security and preventing the use of the maritime domain for illegal activities.
PM commends Pakistan Navy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Pakistan Navy officers and personnel following the successful operations.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz praised the Navy’s actions and said the operations represented an effective deterrent against drug smuggling. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking measures against drug trafficking and protecting maritime security.
Recent maritime anti-narcotics operations
The latest seizure follows another major Pakistan Navy operation in the Arabian Sea last month.
On September 26, Pakistan Navy ships HUNAIN and YARMOOK seized more than 2,800kg of narcotics with an estimated value of approximately $750 million, according to ISPR.
That operation involved the interception and boarding of a suspicious boat during a routine patrol, with narcotics recovered from concealed compartments.
The repeated seizures highlight the role of maritime security forces in efforts to disrupt illicit trafficking through regional sea routes.
Maritime security remains a focus
The Arabian Sea is an important regional maritime corridor connecting the Middle East, South Asia and international shipping routes. Pakistani authorities have continued to conduct counter-narcotics and other maritime-security operations in the area.
The latest operation involved no reported details about the identities or nationalities of the crews of the intercepted dhows. Further legal proceedings are expected after the seized narcotics are handed over to the relevant authorities.
The Pakistan Navy said it would continue efforts to prevent illicit activities at sea and contribute to a secure maritime environment.
