Pakistan Navy seizes drugs worth $1 billion in Arabian Sea

A Pakistani Navy ship seized narcotics worth more than $972 million from sailboats in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement Tuesday from the naval network overseeing the operation.

The Combined Maritime Force (CMF), a naval partnership that includes the United States, said the Pakistani naval vessel last week intercepted two different dhow sailing boats within 48 hours.

The crew seized several tons of crystal methamphetamine and a smaller amount of cocaine, the CMF statement said.

The intercepted vessels were "identified as having no nationality", it said without indicating where they had originated.

It was "one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF," said Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of the CMF taskforce carrying out the operation.

The US Central Command in a post on X congratulated the CMF, which includes 47 countries' navies and patrols more than 3 million square miles of sea including some of the world's busiest shipping lanes to disrupt the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

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

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Navy, this remarkable achievement highlights Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.

Operating as part of the multinational CTF-150 which focuses on ensuring maritime stability and deterring terrorism and illegal activities across the high seas, the successful operation by PNS Yarmook reaffirms Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner contributing to peace and security in the wider Indian Ocean Region, it further said.

Upon execution of successful antinarcotic operation, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the crew of PNS Yarmook for their professionalism and dedication.

He emphasized that Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests while contributing to the global commons through cooperation and coordinated maritime security efforts.

The Naval Chief underscored that PNS YARMOOK’s operation under Saudi led task force will further enhance the interoperability between the two navies and strengthen defence collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

President, PM messages

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded the officers and personnel of the Pakistan Navy for successfully foiling a major narcotics smuggling attempt worth billions of rupees.

The operation was carried out by PNS Yarmook under the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)’ Combined Task Force (CTF-150), in the Arabian Sea.

In separate statements, both leaders praised the Navy’s professional excellence and its growing international recognition.

President Zardari described the operation as a matter of national pride and a shining example of the Pakistan Navy’s professional capabilities. He emphasized that Yarmook’s success reflected the Navy’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability.

“This major anti-narcotics action highlights Pakistan’s critical role in promoting global peace and maritime security,” the president noted, terming it a fine example of mutual Pak-Saudi cooperation.

He also extended special appreciation to Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the crew of Yarmook for their exemplary performance.

The prime minister said the officers and personnel of Pakistan Navy were engaged round the clock in safeguarding the country’s maritime boundaries.

“The entire nation including myself takes pride in officers and sailors of Pakistan Navy,” he added.

Reporter Awais Kiyani/Agencies