A major maritime security operation has led to the seizure of narcotics valued at Ksh129 billion from two vessels sailing through the Arabian Sea. The successful interception was conducted by the Pakistani navy as part of the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational naval coalition working to combat illicit trafficking and ensure safe navigation in international waters.
According to official reports, the navy intercepted two dhows in separate operations carried out over a 48-hour period. The first operation resulted in the discovery of more than two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, with an estimated street value of Ksh106 billion. Less than two days later, another dhow was intercepted, yielding 350 kilograms of ICE worth approximately Ksh18 billion and an additional 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at Ksh1.2 billion.
The vessels, identified as stateless, were sailing through a high-risk trafficking corridor in the Arabian Sea when naval forces boarded and conducted the successful searches. The CMF highlighted that the interception underscored the value of coordinated multinational operations in curbing the global narcotics trade, especially across major maritime routes often exploited by smugglers.
Commanders overseeing the operation described the seizure as one of the largest and most successful drug busts in the history of the Combined Maritime Forces. They emphasized that such operations are vital in disrupting the funding channels of transnational criminal networks and preventing illicit substances from reaching international markets.
The Combined Maritime Forces, comprising 47 partner nations, are responsible for securing more than 3.2 million square miles of strategic waters, including critical global trade and shipping lanes. The collaborative naval initiative aims to deter piracy, smuggling, and terrorism at sea.
In a statement following the operation, the navy reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining maritime safety, regional stability, and global peace. The successful seizure, it said, demonstrates ongoing commitment to combating illicit trafficking and protecting the integrity of international waters from criminal exploitation.
This latest bust adds to growing international efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking networks operating in the Indian Ocean region, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against narcotics smuggling.
