The Pakistan Navy’s seizure of narcotics in two major operations in the Arabian Sea this week is one of the largest in history and a crucial step in curbing drug trafficking routes across the region, an expert told OCCRP on Friday.
In cooperation with the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the navy intercepted two stateless dhows during a 48-hour period, confiscating more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ICE, along with cocaine worth a total of about $972 million, according to officials. The overall value of the seized drugs is estimated at $1 billion.
“This is a major seizure that the Pakistani Navy has conducted as part of a combined international task force,” said Osama Malik, a senior legal expert specializing in prosecuting organized crime and drug trafficking. Malik described the operation as the most significant of its kind.
The first interception occurred on Oct. 18, when the Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yarmook stopped a vessel that was not broadcasting on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and bore no external markings. The ship was later determined to be stateless. Onboard, authorities found more than two tons of crystal meth valued at around $822 million.
Less than two days later, another dhow was intercepted, carrying 350 kilograms of crystal meth worth $140 million and 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at $10 million.
“The success of this focused operation highlights the importance of the multinational collaboration,” said Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150. “PNS Yarmook has had one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF, which is directly attributed to the expertise and collaboration of our naval forces within the organization.”
Malik said the coordinated operations were crucial for disrupting drug trafficking routes across the Arabian Sea, which have become increasingly active among smuggling networks.
“Pakistan has over the past few years increased its efforts to stop the proliferation of drugs internationally. However, we have also seen that the amount of land on which drugs are cultivated has increased exponentially in Pakistan,” Malik said.
The CMF is a 47-nation coalition committed to enforcing maritime security and maintaining stability across 3.2 million square miles of key sea routes.
U.S. Central Command praised the operation on X.
In a separate statement, the Pakistan Navy said the operation underscored its “unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.”
