Pakistan Navy sailors search a suspicious dhow loaded with drugs in the Arabian Sea. Photo: INP
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Navy ship TABUK carried out a major anti-narcotics operation, seizing over 2,000 kilograms of methamphetamine (ICE) from a stateless dhow in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement by the Director General of Public Relations (Navy) on Wednesday.
The statement said PNS TABUK was operating on a Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) in support of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). This operation marks the “third consecutive successful interdiction” by Pakistan Navy ships in the last two months.
The intercepted dhow was deemed suspicious and the ICE transport has an estimated regional wholesale value of $130 million, according to the news release.
“These successful operations demonstrate the enduring resolve and unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Navy against illicit trafficking at sea. The scale of the operation, along with its flawless execution, underlines not only the professionalism of the Navy but also the effectiveness of multinational coordination under the CMF,” the statement said.
The statement added that Pakistan Navy remains committed to safeguarding national maritime interests, upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and contributing to global maritime security.
(With input from the APP)
