Maps
Magazine

MILITARY

Pakistan Navy Seizes $972 Million Worth of Drugs in Arabian Sea Operation
Pakistan Navy ship Yarmook seized narcotics worth over $972 million from unflagged boats in the Arabian Sea under the Saudi-led CTF-150. CMF hailed it as one of its most successful drug busts ever.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-22
Pakistan Navy Seizes $972 Million Worth of Drugs in Arabian Sea Operation

In one of the largest counter-narcotics operations in recent years, Pakistan Navy ship (PNS) Yarmook seized narcotics worth over $972 million from two unregistered sailing vessels in the Arabian Sea, according to official statements released on Wednesday.

The operation was conducted under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) — a multinational naval partnership comprising 47 countries, including the United States — in “direct support” of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 during Operation Al Masmak, which began on October 16.

According to the CMF, the Yarmook crew intercepted two dhow sailing boats within 48 hours last week.

“The crew boarded the first dhow and seized over two tons of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $822.4 million on October 18. Less than 48 hours later, the crew boarded a second dhow and seized 350 kilograms of crystal meth worth $140 million and 50 kilograms of cocaine worth $10 million,” the statement said.

The seized narcotics were transported to the ship for testing and later disposed of under international maritime protocols. The CMF added that both intercepted vessels were “without nationality,” without disclosing their point of origin.

Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, who commands the CMF task force carrying out the operation, described the seizure as “one of the most successful narcotics operations for CMF.”

“The success of this focused operation highlights the importance of multi-national collaboration,” Aljoiad stated.

The Pakistan Navy, in its statement, said the achievement demonstrated its “unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.”

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf praised the crew for their professionalism and dedication, emphasizing that the Navy “remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests while contributing to the global commons through cooperation and coordinated security efforts.”

He added that PNS Yarmook’s operation under the Saudi-led task force would “enhance interoperability between the two navies and strengthen defence collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”

President Asif Ali Zardari also lauded the Navy’s achievement, calling it “a matter of national pride and a testament to Pakistan Navy’s professional excellence and unwavering commitment to regional peace.”

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) congratulated the CMF in a post on X, acknowledging the success of its mission to curb drug and weapon smuggling across the world’s busiest maritime routes.

Commissioned in Romania in February 2020 and inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet later that year, PNS Yarmook is a modern electronic warfare, anti-ship, and anti-air platform capable of conducting diverse maritime and unmanned aerial operations.

The ship has previously taken part in several humanitarian and security missions, including the rescue of eight Iranian fishermen in March last year and security patrols for merchant vessels in the Indian Ocean in July 2024.
Tagged:

PakistanNavy

MaritimeSecurity

PNSYarmook

CTF150
Share News: