The Pakistan Navy has successfully seized a massive haul of narcotics worth nearly $1 billion during a maritime operation in the Arabian Sea, marking one of the largest anti-drug seizures in the region’s history. The operation underscores the Navy’s exceptional professionalism and continued commitment to regional maritime security and counter-narcotics efforts.
According to details released by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was conducted by the Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook, which is part of the Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150)—a multinational maritime security coalition led by Saudi Arabia and operating under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
CENTCOM, in an official statement, commended the Pakistan Navy’s vigilance and effectiveness, noting that its prompt and precise action played a key role in intercepting the massive drug shipment before it could reach international markets. “This successful interdiction highlights Pakistan Navy’s steadfast commitment to maintaining maritime stability and combating illicit trafficking in the region,” the statement said.
Sources indicate that the intercepted narcotics were being smuggled through international waters of the Arabian Sea, a route often exploited by drug traffickers operating out of the Makran coast and the Horn of Africa. The seizure included large quantities of heroin, hashish, and crystal methamphetamine (ice), packed in watertight containers hidden aboard a suspicious vessel.
Following intelligence-based tracking and surveillance, PNS Yarmook intercepted and boarded the suspect vessel, conducting a thorough search that led to the discovery of the illegal cargo. The narcotics were confiscated and the crew taken into custody for investigation under international maritime law.
This latest success adds to Pakistan Navy’s growing record of high-impact anti-narcotics operations in the North Arabian Sea. In recent years, the Navy—working closely with the Combined Maritime Forces—has seized thousands of kilograms of illegal drugs, contributing significantly to global efforts against organized maritime crime.
