- Pakistan Navy ship seizes record narcotics under Saudi-led Task Force 150 of CMF
- Seized drugs include over two tonnes of crystal meth and 50kg cocaine
ISLAMABAD: In one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in regional maritime history, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook intercepted two sailboats in the Arabian Sea and seized crystal meth and cocaine worth over $972 million, the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) announced on Wednesday.
The major bust took place during Focused Operation Al Masmak, launched on October 16 under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a unit of the 47-nation CMF that includes the United States and partners committed to maintaining maritime security across more than three million square miles of ocean.
According to the CMF statement, PNS Yarmook intercepted two stateless dhow vessels in separate actions within 48 hours last week. On October 18, the first boarding team recovered over two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $822.4 million. Two days later, the ship’s crew boarded another dhow and seized 350 kilogrammes of methamphetamine worth $140 million and 50 kilogrammes of cocaine worth $10 million.
The narcotics were brought aboard the ship for testing and later safely disposed of in line with international protocols, the statement said. The CMF did not disclose the vessels’ ports of origin, confirming only that they were “without nationality.”
‘One of CMF’s most successful narcotics seizures’
Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150, hailed the operation as “one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF,” saying it demonstrated “the strength of multinational collaboration and the professionalism of partner navies.”
The CMF credited Pakistan’s growing role in regional maritime policing, with Yarmook’s interdiction underscoring the country’s reputation as a key player in counter-narcotics and maritime security operations across the Indian Ocean region.
PNS YARMOOK, operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, executed a successful counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, seizing narcotics worth USD 972 million, reflecting Pakistan Navy’s enduring resolve against illicit trafficking at sea. pic.twitter.com/EdCZybApNo
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) October 22, 2025
Pakistan Navy: ‘Unwavering commitment to maritime security’
In a separate statement, the Pakistan Navy described the seizure as a reflection of its “unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.”
It said the successful mission reaffirmed Pakistan’s “active role as a responsible maritime partner,” contributing to stability and security in the wider Indian Ocean.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 22 October, 2025#Pakistan Navy Ship YARMOOK, while operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), successfully executed a major counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, resulting in the… pic.twitter.com/z4CjY58aSe— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) October 22, 2025
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the Yarmook crew for their professionalism, discipline and dedication. “Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests while contributing to the global commons through cooperation and coordinated security efforts,” he said.
Admiral Ashraf added that the operation under a Saudi-led task force had enhanced interoperability between the two navies and would further strengthen Pakistan–Saudi defence cooperation.
President Zardari and Premier Shehbaz laud Navy’s success
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the Navy’s officers and personnel for their “exceptional performance” in foiling a major narcotics smuggling attempt worth billions of rupees.
President Zardari called the operation a “matter of national pride,” saying it showcased the Pakistan Navy’s professional excellence and vital role in regional peace and stability. He said the bust highlighted Pakistan’s critical contribution to global maritime security and lauded the partnership with Saudi Arabia in achieving shared security goals.
President Asif Ali Zardari felicitated Pakistan Navy on the successful counter-narcotics operation by PNS Yarmook. He said the achievement reflects national pride, professional excellence, and Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and maritime security.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 22, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said the “entire nation takes pride” in the Navy’s vigilant efforts to protect Pakistan’s maritime frontiers. He emphasised that the force was working round the clock to ensure the safety of sea lanes and combat transnational crimes at sea.
US Central Command, CMF praise joint effort
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also commended the Combined Maritime Force for the successful interdiction, noting that the 47-nation partnership plays a crucial role in disrupting the trafficking of drugs and weapons across some of the world’s busiest sea routes.
U.S. Central Command congratulates the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 of Combined Maritime Forces for successfully seizing more than $972 million worth of narcotics. Over a 48-hour period, Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook conducted boarding operations of two dhows in the Arabian…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 21, 2025
CENTCOM said the collaborative framework of CTF 150 under CMF continued to prove effective in curbing transnational criminal networks operating in the North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean.
PNS Yarmook and recent operations
Commissioned in Romania in February 2020 and inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet later that year, PNS Yarmook is a multirole corvette equipped for anti-ship, anti-air and electronic warfare operations. The ship is also capable of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) missions and multiple maritime operations simultaneously.
Over the years, Yarmook has participated in several humanitarian and security missions. In March 2024, it rescued eight Iranian fishermen after their boat caught fire in open waters. Later, in July 2024, it was deployed in the Indian Ocean with an embarked helicopter to ensure the safety of merchant ships bound to and from Pakistani ports.
The latest operation, conducted in coordination with Saudi and US-led partners, marks another milestone in Pakistan Navy’s expanding contribution to multinational maritime security frameworks.
As the CMF and Pakistan Navy continue their cooperative patrols, officials said the interdiction reflects both the professionalism of the Yarmook crew and the growing strategic trust between regional partners determined to maintain stability and law enforcement across the vital sea lanes of the Indian Ocean.
