ISLAMABAD:
A Pakistani navy ship seized more than $972 million worth of narcotics from sailboats in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement from the naval network monitoring the operation on Wednesday.
PNS Yarmook, while operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), successfully conducted a major counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, resulting in the seizure of approximately $972 million worth of narcotics.
The Combined Maritime Force (CMF), a naval partnership that includes the United States, said last week the Pakistani naval vessel intercepted two different sailing dhows within 48 hours.
The crew seized several tons of crystal methamphetamine and a small amount of cocaine, the CMF statement said.
The intercepted vessels were “identified as of no nationality,” it said, without specifying where they originated.
It was “one of the most successful drug seizures for the CMF,” said Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of the CMF task force conducting the operation.
In a statement, the US Central Command congratulated the X CMF, which includes the navies of 47 countries and patrols more than 3 million square kilometers of sea, including some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, to disrupt the smuggling of drugs and weapons.
Operating as part of the multinational CTF-150, which focuses on ensuring maritime stability and deterring terrorism and illegal activities across the high seas, PNS Yarmook’s successful operation confirms Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner contributing to peace and security in the wider Indian Ocean Region, it further said.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the officers and personnel of the Pakistan Navy for successfully foiling a major attempt to smuggle drugs worth billions of rupees.
In separate statements, both leaders praised the Navy’s professional excellence and its 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 operation highlights Pakistan’s critical role in promoting global peace and maritime security,” the President noted, terming it a fine example of mutual Pak-Saudi cooperation.
He also gave special appreciation to Chief of the Fleet Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the crew of the Yarmook for their exemplary performance.
The Prime Minister said that the officers and personnel of the Pakistan Navy were engaged round the clock in protecting the country’s maritime borders.
“The entire nation including myself is proud of the officers and sailors of the Pakistan Navy,” he added.
