Pakistan Navy seizes drugs in Arabian Sea during two operations last week, intercepting stateless vessels carrying crystal methamphetamine and cocaine valued at $972.4 million as part of a multinational task force.
This Pakistan Navy $1bn drug bust underscores the growing threat of narcotics smuggling in the Indian Ocean region, impacting South Asian nations through funding terrorism and destabilising economies reliant on secure maritime trade.
Details of the Pakistan Navy $1bn Drug Bust
Pakistan Navy seizes drugs in Arabian Sea aboard PNS Yarmook, a vessel deployed under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150. The first interception occurred on 18 October 2025, when crew boarded a dhow and discovered over two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, estimated at $822.4 million on the street. Less than 48 hours later, a second dhow yielded 350 kilograms of the same substance worth $140 million, plus 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at $10 million.
Both vessels lacked nationality markings and were not transmitting on the Automatic Identification System, making them suspicious in international waters. The narcotics were transferred to PNS Yarmook for testing and later disposed of at sea. This Operation Al Masmak Pakistan Navy effort marks one of the largest hauls in recent history, totalling $972.4 million.
Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, commander of the task force, described it as “one of the most successful narcotics seizures for CMF.” The Pakistan Navy $1bn drug bust involved coordinated assets from France, Spain, and the United States, showcasing multinational collaboration.
Operation Al Masmak Pakistan Navy Role
Focused Operation Al Masmak began on 16 October 2025, aimed at disrupting non-state actors smuggling drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. Pakistan Navy seizes drugs in Arabian Sea as part of this initiative, operating within the Combined Maritime Forces framework.
The Combined Task Force 150 patrols 3.2 million square miles of water, including critical chokepoints for global trade. Pakistan’s contribution through PNS Yarmook highlights its operational capabilities in counter-narcotics. The Pakistan Navy Director General Public Relations stated: “This remarkable achievement highlights PN’s unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the collective fight against illicit trafficking at sea.”
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the crew for their professionalism, noting that the navy “remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests while contributing to the global commons through cooperation and coordinated maritime security efforts.”
Involved Parties and Coordination
Saudi Arabia coordinated the operation, with Pakistan Navy at the forefront of the boardings. Support came from allied navies, emphasising the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces partnership. The US Central Command congratulated the team on social media platform X, acknowledging the blow to illicit networks. No details emerged on the dhows’ origins or crew fates.
Background on Maritime Drug Trafficking
Drug smuggling in the Arabian Sea has escalated, with routes often linking South Asia to markets in Europe and the Middle East. Pakistan Navy seizes drugs in Arabian Sea amid rising concerns over narcotics funding insurgencies and organised crime in the region. Previous operations by Combined Maritime Forces have intercepted similar hauls, but this Pakistan Navy $1bn drug bust sets a new benchmark.
Pakistan has participated in Combined Maritime Forces since 2004, commanding task forces multiple times. Its role in Operation Al Masmak Pakistan Navy aligns with national policies to combat transnational threats. South Asia faces spillover effects, with countries like India and Afghanistan reporting increased drug inflows via sea routes. The Arabian Sea’s strategic position near the Strait of Hormuz amplifies the need for vigilant patrols.
Data from Combined Maritime Forces indicate over 100 interdictions in recent years, preventing billions in illicit goods from reaching shores. This seizure alone disrupts supply chains potentially linked to terrorist financing, a persistent issue for South Asian stability.
What’s Next for Counter-Narcotics Efforts
Future phases of Operation Al Masmak may expand patrols, incorporating more advanced surveillance. Pakistan Navy’s ongoing deployments signal continued vigilance. Experts anticipate enhanced intelligence sharing among member nations to target smuggling hubs.
The Combined Maritime Forces plan additional focused operations, building on this success to deter traffickers. Pakistan’s government may integrate findings into broader anti-drug strategies, potentially collaborating with regional bodies like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
In conclusion, this Pakistan Navy seizes drugs in Arabian Sea operation reinforces the navy’s pivotal role in global security, promising sustained efforts against maritime threats.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 23rd, 2025
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