The Pakistan Navy has carried out one of its largest maritime counter-narcotics operations, seizing narcotics valued at more than $972 million from two sailboats in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Combined Maritime Force (CMF).
The CMF, a 47-nation naval coalition led by the United States, said the Pakistani naval ship intercepted two unregistered dhow vessels within 48 hours, uncovering several tons of crystal methamphetamine and a smaller quantity of cocaine.
PNS YARMOOK, operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, executed a successful counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, seizing narcotics worth USD 972 million, reflecting Pakistan Navy’s enduring resolve against illicit trafficking at sea. pic.twitter.com/EdCZybApNo
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) October 22, 2025The Combined Maritime Force operates across more than 3 million square miles of international waters, covering critical sea lanes used for global trade and transportation. Its mission is to disrupt the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and illicit goods, and to ensure the security of maritime routes.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) lauded the Pakistani Navy’s success, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
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, 2025Pakistan has been a key contributor to CMF operations, regularly deploying naval assets to combat piracy, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling in the region. The country’s ongoing participation highlights its commitment to ensuring regional stability and safe international shipping routes in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Read: Pakistan Navy Launches PNS/M MANGRO Submarine, Bolsters Maritime Security
Experts note that such operations play a vital role in curbing transnational crime, as narcotics smuggling routes often overlap with networks used for arms trafficking and terrorism financing.
The Pakistan Navy’s successful operation reaffirms its growing reputation as a regional maritime leader and trusted partner in global counter-smuggling efforts.
