MANAMA, Bahrain: Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook, operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), successfully intercepted and seized narcotics valued at over $972 million during Focused Operation AL MASMAK in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement issued on Tuesday from the naval network overseeing the operation.
Two Major Drug Hauls in 48 Hours
Within a span of 48 hours, PNS Yarmook carried out boarding operations on two suspicious dhows that were not transmitting on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and had no visible national markings. Both vessels were later identified as stateless.
During the first operation on October 18, the crew confiscated over two tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) with an estimated street value of $822 million. Less than two days later, the team boarded another dhow, seizing 350 kilograms of ICE worth $140 million and 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at $10 million.
Testing and Safe Disposal
The recovered narcotics were brought aboard for testing to verify their composition before being safely disposed of according to established procedures.
Multi-National Collaboration Praised
“The success of this focused operation highlights the importance of multinational collaboration,” said Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, Commander of CTF 150. “PNS Yarmook’s remarkable achievement is one of the most significant narcotics seizures for CMF and a testament to the professionalism and coordination among our partner naval forces.”
Strengthening Regional Maritime Security
Operation AL MASMAK, launched on October 16, demonstrated effective multinational coordination to enhance maritime safety and regional stability. The operation involved naval assets from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Spain, and the United States.
CTF 150’s primary mission is to prevent non-state actors from trafficking weapons, drugs, and other illicit materials across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman.
The Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition of 47 nations, works together to uphold the international rules-based maritime order, ensuring safety and stability across 3.2 million square miles of strategically vital waterways.
Inter-Services Public Relations
According to ISPR, this remarkable achievement highlights Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.
“Operating as part of the multinational CTF-150 which focuses on ensuring maritime stability and deterring terrorism and illegal activities across the high seas, the successful operation by PNS YARMOOK reaffirms Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner contributing to peace and security in the wider Indian Ocean Region.”
“Upon execution of successful antinarcotic operation, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the crew of PNS YARMOOK for their professionalism and dedication. He emphasized that Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests while contributing to the global commons through cooperation and coordinated maritime security efforts. The Naval Chief underscored that PNS YARMOOK’s operation under Saudi led task force will further enhance the interoperability between the two navies and strengthen defence collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
