Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook has successfully intercepted and seized drugs worth over $972 million in the Arabian Sea, according to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The operation was part of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150’s Focused Operation AL MASMAK, conducted with support from naval forces of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Spain, and the United States.
The operation targeted illicit drug trafficking in key waterways, including the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. PNS Yarmook intercepted two dhows, which were not transmitting on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and lacked nationality.
On October 18, two tons of crystal methamphetamine, valued at over $822 million, were seized from the first dhow. The second dhow yielded 350 kg of crystal meth worth $140 million and 50 kg of cocaine worth $10 million.
“This successful operation highlights the critical importance of multinational collaboration,” said Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150.
The operation aims to disrupt the movement of drugs and other illicit substances in key maritime regions and is seen as a major success for international naval cooperation.
