Pakistan Navy Drug Seizure in Arabian Sea | $1 Billion Worth of Narcotics Confiscated

Pakistan Navy’s Historic Drug Seizure in the Arabian Sea

In a remarkable success against international drug trafficking, the Pakistan Navy, in coordination with the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, has seized narcotics valued at over $972 million in the Arabian Sea. The massive haul included several tons of crystal methamphetamine and a smaller quantity of cocaine. Officials described the operation as one of the biggest maritime drug seizures in recent history.

According to the statement issued by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Yarmook played a leading role in the two-day operation, intercepting two separate vessels in international waters within 48 hours.

The Operation: Two Major Raids in 48 Hours

The successful anti-narcotics operation began on October 18, 2025, when PNS Yarmook intercepted a suspicious dhow in the Arabian Sea. Upon boarding and inspection, the crew discovered more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) hidden onboard. The estimated street value of the drugs was $822.4 million.

Less than two days later, on October 20, the same Pakistani naval team intercepted another dhow. This time, they confiscated 350 kilograms of ICE worth approximately $140 million, along with 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at $10 million. Combined, these seizures amount to nearly $1 billion worth of drugs, marking a record-breaking success for Pakistan and its regional allies.

Collaboration Under the Saudi-Led Combined Task Force

The Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) operates under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) — a coalition of 47 nations, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and several other partners. The task force focuses on maintaining maritime security, preventing terrorism, and countering illegal trafficking across 3.2 million square miles of sea.

Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, who commands the task force, called the Pakistan Navy’s operation “one of the most successful narcotics seizures in CMF’s history.” He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to maintain safety and stability in one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

International Recognition and U.S. Praise

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also acknowledged Pakistan’s successful operation through an official post on X (formerly Twitter). CENTCOM congratulated both the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 and Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook for conducting two consecutive boarding operations within 48 hours and successfully preventing massive drug smuggling attempts.

CENTCOM noted that such joint operations reflect the strength of international maritime collaboration in upholding the rule of law and curbing transnational crimes.

How the Seizure Took Place

According to CMF sources, the seized vessels were stateless — meaning they carried no national identification or registration, a common tactic used by smugglers to avoid tracking. These dhows were intercepted during routine maritime surveillance conducted by Pakistan Navy patrols under the CMF framework.

Once the ships were stopped, naval boarding teams carried out extensive searches using specialized detection equipment. The drugs were found concealed in hidden compartments designed to bypass surface inspections. After confirmation, the contraband was cataloged, secured, and transferred for evidence processing.

The Role of PNS Yarmook in Maritime Security

The PNS Yarmook, a multi-mission corvette of the Pakistan Navy, has been a key asset in Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard regional waters. Designed for surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, and humanitarian missions, the Yarmook is equipped with modern radar, surveillance drones, and quick-response systems.

This latest seizure showcases the Pakistan Navy’s growing capability to handle complex maritime operations and reinforces its position as a reliable regional security partner. Over the past few years, the Navy has participated in multiple international missions aimed at curbing piracy, human trafficking, and drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean region.

Drug Smuggling Routes in the Arabian Sea

The Arabian Sea has long been a critical route for international drug trafficking, especially for narcotics originating from Afghanistan’s opium belt. Smugglers often transport drugs via small fishing boats or dhows, moving them across international waters toward markets in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Maritime security experts note that coordinated patrols and intelligence sharing among CMF member nations have significantly reduced successful smuggling attempts in recent years. However, due to the vast size of the sea — covering millions of square miles — constant vigilance remains essential.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking

The recent operation underscores the importance of regional and international naval cooperation. Pakistan, as an active member of the Combined Maritime Forces, has consistently played a leading role in anti-narcotics missions and counter-smuggling operations.

Commodore Aljoiad highlighted the strong coordination between Saudi and Pakistani forces, stating that “collaboration is the key to eliminating maritime threats.” Such missions not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also enhance Pakistan’s global standing as a responsible naval power.

Global Impact of the Seizure

Experts believe that the $972 million drug seizure will deliver a major blow to international smuggling networks operating in the region. The confiscation of such a massive amount of narcotics disrupts supply chains and discourages criminal groups that rely on maritime routes for transportation.

According to analysts, this operation demonstrates that cooperative security frameworks like CMF can yield tangible results in combating global crime. It also sends a strong message to traffickers that no illegal shipment is beyond reach.

Pakistan Navy’s Broader Anti-Narcotics Efforts

This isn’t the first time the Pakistan Navy has achieved such a milestone. In previous years, it has carried out multiple successful operations leading to the seizure of tons of heroin, hashish, and methamphetamine. The Navy’s collaboration with international partners, especially within the CMF, has proven crucial in disrupting smuggling rings.

Pakistan’s commitment to maritime safety goes beyond national interest. It aligns with the global fight against organized crime, ensuring that international waters remain safe for trade and transport.

A Step Forward for Maritime Security

The Arabian Sea is not just a trade corridor; it’s also a strategic zone for regional stability. Pakistan’s success underlines how maritime surveillance and intelligence-sharing can effectively counter illegal activities. With technological upgrades and enhanced cooperation, Pakistan Navy continues to play a central role in securing international shipping lanes.

The CMF partnership allows navies from Asia, the Middle East, and Western countries to collaborate under a shared maritime security framework, ensuring that global commerce moves safely through high-risk areas.

Statements from the CMF Leadership

In an official release, CMF leadership extended appreciation to the Pakistan Navy for its precision and professionalism during the operation. Commodore Aljoiad remarked, “This operation highlights the unity and determination of our forces to prevent illegal trade and ensure maritime peace.”

The statement also emphasized that future missions would continue focusing on preventing the movement of narcotics, weapons, and contraband across the region.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Maritime Cooperation

Following the success of this mission, experts predict an increase in joint naval exercises and information-sharing among CMF members. The operation’s effectiveness may encourage similar strategies to counter piracy and human trafficking.

Pakistan’s proactive participation reflects its long-term vision for regional peace and stability. With increasing collaboration among international forces, future operations are expected to become even more efficient and intelligence-driven.

Final Thoughts

The Pakistan Navy drug seizure in the Arabian Sea is more than just a record-breaking operation — it’s a testament to international unity against transnational crime. The confiscation of nearly $1 billion worth of narcotics highlights the Navy’s vigilance, skill, and strategic coordination with the Saudi-led Combined Task Force.

This achievement boosts Pakistan’s image as a dependable global maritime partner and reinforces its dedication to ensuring safe seas. As international cooperation strengthens, operations like this will continue to secure vital trade routes and make the Arabian Sea a safer region for all.

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