Major Operation Under Combined Task Force 150
Pakistan Navy’s PNS Yarmook seized narcotics worth over $972 million during a major operation in the Arabian Sea, marking one of the largest drug interdictions under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Two Drug-Laden Boats Intercepted
According to the CMF, a 47-nation naval coalition that includes the United States, PNS Yarmook intercepted two dhow sailboats within 48 hours during Operation Al Masmak, which was launched on October 16 to counter maritime smuggling.
The ship’s boarding teams found over two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth $822 million on October 18. The next day, they seized 350 kilograms of meth valued at $140 million and 50 kilograms of cocaine worth $10 million. The seized narcotics were tested and destroyed on board.
International Praise for Pakistan Navy
The CMF said both vessels carried no registration or identifiable markings. Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150, hailed the seizure as “one of the most successful narcotics operations for CMF.” He highlighted that the success demonstrated the strength of multinational maritime cooperation.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also congratulated CMF in a post on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging Pakistan’s leading role in the mission. CENTCOM noted that CMF patrols three million square miles of vital waterways to combat drug and weapons trafficking.
Multi-Mission Capabilities of PNS Yarmook
Commissioned in Romania in February 2020 and inducted into Pakistan’s naval fleet later that year, PNS Yarmook is equipped for electronic warfare, anti-ship, and anti-air operations. The vessel can perform maritime surveillance and unmanned aerial missions simultaneously.
Track Record of Maritime Excellence
In 2023, PNS Yarmook rescued eight Iranian fishermen from a burning vessel. In 2024, it secured merchant ships operating in the Indian Ocean.
This latest achievement reinforces Pakistan Navy’s commitment to regional maritime security and its active participation in multinational anti-smuggling efforts.
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