French frigates seize over $142 million in drugs, highlighting the success of Combined Task Force 150's maritime security in the Arabian Sea.
French frigates have successfully seized illegal drugs worth over $142 million during operations in the Arabian Sea as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of the five task forces of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) active in the Middle East region.
The recent seizures, conducted under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, represent a significant achievement in CTF 150's maritime security operations. Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and CTF 150, remarked that these results have made history within the CMF.
Commodore Aljoiad noted, "Last month, the Pakistan Navy's PNS Yamook and PNS Tabuk warships seized over 4 tons of crystal methamphetamine and 50 kilograms of cocaine, with a regional wholesale value exceeding $295 million. The last few months have marked one of the most successful seizure periods in the history of the Combined Maritime Forces."
The French frigates conducted routine maritime security patrols over several weeks, stopping numerous dhow-type vessels that did not transmit AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals and lacked external markings. Illegal drugs were detected and seized during flag verification and search operations authorized by CTF 150.
In total, nine separate operations resulted in the seizure of over 16 tons of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) and marijuana, which were subsequently destroyed after necessary testing. The regional wholesale value of the seized drugs was reported to exceed $142 million.
Other elements within CTF 150 have also achieved significant seizures in recent months. In May, the British Navy's HMS Lancaster intercepted 1,000 kg of heroin, 660 kg of hashish, and 6 kg of amphetamines in the Northern Arabian Sea, preventing approximately $36 million worth of smuggling. Additionally, at the end of March, the Indian Navy's INS Tarkash conducted one of the largest operations in the region in recent years, seizing 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin. During the same period, the U.S. Coast Guard's Emlen Tunnell seized 200 kg of methamphetamine and 60 kg of heroin.
The primary mission of CTF 150 is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to transport drugs, weapons, and other illegal substances by sea in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. Established in 2001 with the participation of 12 countries, the Combined Maritime Forces now operates with contributions from 47 countries.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
