US lauds Pakistan Navy after vessel Yarmook seizes drugs worth $1bn in Arabian Sea

A Pakistani Navy ship has seized narcotics valued at around $1 billion during an operation in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement issued by the multinational maritime force overseeing the mission.

The Pakistan Navy ship Yarmook intercepted two separate dhow sailing vessels over a span of 48 hours last week, as part of Operation Al Masmak—a focused mission launched on October 16 under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150).

The operation falls under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a coalition of 47 countries, including the United States (US), aimed at ensuring maritime security across vital sea routes.

On October 18, Yarmook's boarding team searched the first dhow and confiscated over two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $822.4 million. Less than two days later, a second dhow was boarded, leading to the seizure of 350 kilograms of methamphetamine and 50 kilograms of cocaine. The narcotics were collectively valued at $150 million.

Following standard procedure, the drugs were brought aboard the naval vessel for substance verification and were later destroyed. Both intercepted vessels were described as stateless, with no official registration or national affiliation. Their point of origin remains undisclosed.

This operation marks one of the largest narcotics hauls for the Combined Maritime Forces, which monitor over three million square miles of ocean, including strategic commercial shipping routes. The mission's success underscores the significance of coordinated international naval efforts in combating maritime drug trafficking.

US Central Command also acknowledged the operation's success in an official social media post, praising the ongoing collaboration among CMF members.

U.S. Central Command congratulates the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 of Combined Maritime Forces for successfully seizing more than $972 million worth of narcotics. Over a 48-hour period, Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook conducted boarding operations of two dhows in the Arabian…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 21, 2025