Pakistan Navy Seizes Nearly $1 Billion Worth of Narcotics in Arabian Sea Operations

The Pakistan Navy, in collaboration with the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces, seized nearly $1 billion worth of narcotics in two major operations within 48 hours in the Arabian Sea. The bust one of the largest in CMF history included over two tonnes of crystal meth and 50 kg of cocaine from stateless vessels, showcasing Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional maritime security and global anti-narcotics efforts.

ISLAMABAD (Source / Al Jazeera) – In one of the largest drug busts in regional maritime history, the Pakistan Navy has seized nearly $1 billion worth of narcotics during two operations in the Arabian Sea, carried out within just 48 hours as part of the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

According to a statement released by the CMF on Wednesday, Pakistani naval forces intercepted two stateless dhows last week in separate raids, confiscating massive quantities of narcotics. During the first operation on October 18, officials discovered over two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), valued at approximately $822.4 million. Less than two days later, the navy intercepted another vessel, seizing 350 kg of ICE worth $140 million and 50 kg of cocaine worth $10 million.

While the CMF did not reveal the origin of the vessels, it confirmed that both were operating without national identification a tactic commonly used by international drug trafficking networks to evade detection.

The operations were conducted in support of Combined Task Force 150, a unit of the CMF focused on counter-narcotics and maritime security. Commodore Fahad Aljoiad of the Saudi Arabian Navy, who leads the task force, hailed the operation as “one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF,” emphasizing the critical role of multinational cooperation in maintaining security across key maritime routes.

The Combined Maritime Forces, which includes 34 member nations, is a coalition established to ensure stability and combat illicit activities in international waters, particularly across the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

The successful interception underscores Pakistan’s expanding role in regional maritime security and its growing coordination with allied nations in combating the global narcotics trade that often fuels transnational crime and terrorism financing.