Navy busts drug consignment valued at $130m

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Navy ship has busted a huge consignment of drugs valued at USD130 million while patrolling in the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Tabuk, while operating on Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and in support of Saudi-led CTF-150 under HQ Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), intercepted a suspicious dhow operating in the Arabian Sea. Subsequently, the ship successfully conducted a major counter-narcotics operation onboard the stateless dhow resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 kg of methamphetamine (ICE).

The estimated regional wholesale value of apprehended narcotics is USD130 million, the Pakistan Navy spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday.

The current seizure of narcotics by PNS Tabuk is the third consecutive successful interdiction conducted in the last two months by the Pakistan Navy ships.

“These successful operations demonstrate Pakistan Navy’s enduring resolve and unwavering commitment against illicit trafficking at sea.

The scale of the operation, coupled with its flawless execution, underscores not only Pakistan Navy’s professionalism but also the effectiveness of multinational coordination under CMF,” the spokesman said.