Pakistan Navy Seizes Over $120 Million in Narcotics from Arabian Sea Vessel

Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Yamama (274) intercepted a vessel in the Arabian Sea, confiscating 155 kg of methamphetamine and 65 kg of cocaine, valued at over $120 million, on September 28. The operation was conducted in direct support of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

During a routine patrol, PNS Yamama identified a dhow of interest and, after receiving clearance from CTF 150, performed a flag-verification boarding. The dhow was found to be stateless, prompting a careful, non-destructive search that revealed the illicit cargo. The narcotics were later tested onboard to confirm their contents and safely disposed of.

“The recent seizure with PNS Yamama highlights the expertise and local operational knowledge of our partner navies, which is essential to mission success,” said Commodore Fahad Aljoaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, commander of CTF 150.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces operating under CMF, the world’s largest international naval partnership. Its mission is to deter and disrupt non-state actors from transporting weapons, drugs, and other illicit goods across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman.

The Combined Maritime Forces, a 47-nation coalition, works to uphold the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of strategic waters, including some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.