Massive Drug Bust by Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea

KARACHI, Pakistan — In one of the largest maritime drug seizures in recent history, the Pakistan Navy confiscated nearly $1 billion worth of narcotics from two vessels operating in the Arabian Sea, according to official statements released on Wednesday.

The twin operations, carried out within 48 hours, were conducted under the banner of the Saudi-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) — a 47-nation naval alliance dedicated to ensuring maritime security and combating illegal trafficking across critical global sea routes.

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Details of the Operation

According to the CMF, the Pakistani naval forces intercepted two dhows — small wooden vessels commonly used in the region — as part of a coordinated anti-smuggling mission last week.

• On October 18, naval personnel boarded the first dhow and seized over two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine (“ICE”) valued at approximately $822 million.
• Less than 48 hours later, a second interception resulted in the confiscation of 350 kilograms of ICE worth $140 million, and 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at $10 million.

The seized narcotics have a combined estimated street value of $972 million.

“The success of this focused operation highlights the importance of multinational collaboration,” said Commodore Fahad Aljoiad of the Royal Saudi Navy, commander of the CMF task force involved in the operation.

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Origin and Significance of the Seizure

Authorities have not confirmed the origin of the intercepted vessels but stated they were “identified as having no nationality.”
The seizure is part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), a specialized unit of the CMF responsible for counterterrorism, anti-narcotics, and maritime security operations across 3.2 million square miles of ocean.

The Arabian Sea — a vital trade and energy corridor linking the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia — has long been a key route for international drug traffickers seeking to smuggle narcotics from South and Central Asia to global markets.

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Pakistan Navy’s Role in Maritime Security

In a separate statement, the Pakistan Navy lauded the successful operation as a testament to its commitment to regional and international maritime peace.

“This achievement underscores our unwavering resolve to ensure maritime security, promote global peace, and combat illicit trafficking at sea,” said a navy spokesperson.

The operation also demonstrates Pakistan’s growing role in multinational naval coalitions aimed at curbing transnational crimes, including piracy, terrorism, and narcotics smuggling.

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Global Impact and Broader Context

The Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain, represents a strategic partnership of 47 nations, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and several NATO and regional allies.

Its operational scope covers some of the world’s busiest and most strategic waterways — from the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean — regions that are increasingly vulnerable to smuggling, trafficking, and piracy.

The recent operation marks one of the CMF’s most successful anti-narcotics missions to date, dealing a significant blow to international criminal networks that fund organized crime and terrorism through drug trafficking.

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A Step Forward in the Global War Against Drugs

Pakistan’s latest success reinforces its strategic importance in maintaining maritime security across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean. Analysts say the seizure not only disrupts drug trafficking routes but also signals Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and law enforcement transparency.

As global efforts intensify to combat the drug trade, the Pakistan Navy’s decisive action represents a milestone in multinational maritime collaboration and counter-narcotics enforcement.