Naval chief hails PNS Yarmook crew after major drug bust in Saudi-led operation

WEBD DESK: Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Yarmook carried out a successful operation in the northern Arabian Sea, seizing narcotics worth approximately 972 million US dollars.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation highlights the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to global peace and its continued efforts to combat smuggling and other illegal maritime activities. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the crew of PNS Yarmook for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming that the Pakistan Navy will continue to contribute to international maritime cooperation and collective security. He noted that PNS Yarmook’s participation in the Saudi-led operation would further strengthen coordination and partnership between allied naval forces.

The mission was conducted under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, which also works to prevent terrorism and unlawful trafficking at sea. The ISPR added that the success of the operation reflects Pakistan’s active role as a responsible maritime partner in promoting regional stability.

PM Sharif and President Zardari congratulate forces

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Pakistan Navy officers and personnel for the successful anti-narcotics operation conducted by PNS Yarmook in the Arabian Sea. Commending the Navy’s efforts, the prime minister said that PNS Yarmook had foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotics worth billions of rupees, adding that the professional competence of Pakistan Navy officers and sailors continues to earn recognition worldwide. He said the entire nation takes pride in the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime frontiers.

President Zardari also lauded the Navy’s achievement, describing it as a matter of national pride and a testament to the force’s professionalism. He said PNS Yarmook’s success reflected Pakistan Navy’s dedication to regional peace and stability, while also highlighting the country’s contribution to global maritime security. The president termed the Saudi-led joint maritime operation an exemplary model of international cooperation and praised Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the crew of PNS Yarmook for their outstanding performance.

The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) also reiterated the same earlier that the operation was carried out by Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook in coordination with the Saudi-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 under the CMF’s “Focused Operation Al Masmak.” Over a 48-hour period, PNS Yarmook intercepted and boarded two stateless dhows that were not transmitting on the Automatic Identification System.

During inspections, the crew recovered more than two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) valued at $822 million, followed by a second seizure of 350 kilograms of ICE worth $140 million and 50 kilograms of cocaine worth $10 million. The narcotics were later tested and destroyed.

Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of CTF 150, commended the Pakistan Navy’s role, describing it as one of the most successful narcotics interdictions under the CMF.

Operation Al Masmak, launched on October 16, involves coordinated efforts by naval assets from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, Spain and the United States to curb illicit trafficking and enhance maritime security in the region.