Arabian Sea operation: Navy seizes 2,000kg of Meth worth USD130m

KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy has dealt a major blow to transnational criminal networks with the seizure of more than 2,000 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Arabian Sea, a haul valued at an estimated US +ACQ-130 million on the regional wholesale market.

The operation was carried out by Pakistan Navy Ship Tabuk during a Regional Maritime Security Patrol, conducted in coordination with the multinational Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150), one of the principal counter-smuggling arms of the 43-nation Combined Maritime Forces.

CTF-150 is tasked with maintaining security across vital maritime corridors, including the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea, where narcotics, weapons and other illicit goods are often moved to finance extremist and terrorist networks. Officials say the latest interception underscores how crucial intelligence sharing and joint maritime operations have become in preventing these networks from exploiting international waters.

The seizure of more than two metric tons of methamphetamine not only represents a financial setback for traffickers but also carries broader implications for regional stability. Narcotics trafficking is a key revenue stream for non-state actors operating across the Middle East, and the disruption of such a large shipment is expected to hinder their ability to fund violence and destabilization.

This latest success is the third major narcotics interdiction by the Pakistan Navy in just two months, reflecting what officials describe as an intensified effort to curb illicit maritime activity. CTF-150 is currently under the command of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan+IBk-s role within the task force has grown increasingly prominent.

A Pakistan Navy spokesperson praised the crew of PNS Tabuk, saying their performance highlighted the services commitment to international maritime law and its determination to work with global partners to protect shared waters.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025