Pakistan Navy seizes over 2,800kg narcotics worth $750m
The seizure was made during a routine patrol when the naval vessels intercepted a suspicious boat in the Arabian Sea.
According to the military’s media wing, naval personnel boarded the boat and recovered the narcotics from concealed compartments. The operation highlights the role of maritime security forces in preventing the movement of illegal drugs through sea routes.
Suspicious boat intercepted during routine patrol
The Pakistan Navy ships were conducting a routine patrol when they detected and intercepted the suspicious vessel. During the subsequent boarding operation, personnel searched the boat and found narcotics hidden in concealed compartments.
The total quantity recovered was more than 2,800kg, while the estimated value of the seized drugs was approximately $750 million. The operation was carried out as part of efforts to prevent illicit trafficking and strengthen security in Pakistan’s maritime areas.
Naval leadership praises officers and crew
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, praised the officers and crew involved in the operation. He commended their professionalism and vigilance during the interception and boarding of the suspicious boat.
The naval leadership also reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and preventing illegal trafficking at sea. The successful seizure adds to recent efforts by Pakistani maritime authorities to stop the movement of contraband through coastal and sea routes.
Pakistan intensifies action against smuggling
The narcotics seizure comes days after another operation involving the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Coast Guards in Balochistan.
On September 23, authorities said a joint operation in the Pishukan area led to the seizure of a sizeable quantity of liquor and illegal medicines. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre following information about the movement of contraband.
The seized items were handed over to the Pakistan Coast Guards for further legal proceedings. These operations reflect a wider focus on preventing Pakistan’s maritime and coastal areas from being used for illegal trafficking.
Security forces report 33 militant deaths in Balochistan
Separately, security forces have reported killing 33 militants in different counterterrorism operations across Balochistan since September 21. According to ISPR, five militants were killed on September 24 during continued operations under Operation Shaban, taking the reported number killed in that operation to 22.
The military said weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from militant hideouts during the operation. ISPR said clearance operations in the area would continue until the reported security threat had been eliminated.
11 militants killed in Nushki operation
In a separate intelligence-based operation in Nushki district on September 25, security forces targeted a suspected militant hideout. According to ISPR, an exchange of fire took place during the operation, resulting in the deaths of 11 militants.
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The military said the Nushki operation brought the total number of reported militant deaths in the Balochistan operations since September 21 to 33. The reported figures and details of the clashes are based on the military’s account.
Clearance operations continue
ISPR said clearance operations would continue in areas where security forces had conducted operations.
The military also said security forces and law enforcement agencies would maintain their counterterrorism campaign under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework. According to the military, the operations are aimed at disrupting militant activity, recovering weapons and explosives, and addressing security threats in affected areas.
Maritime security remains a key focus
The latest narcotics seizure also highlights the role of Pakistan’s maritime forces in tackling illegal trafficking. Sea routes can be used for the movement of drugs and other contraband, making regular patrols and inspections an important part of maritime security efforts.
The recovery of more than 2,800kg of narcotics from a single vessel represents a significant seizure by volume and estimated value. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring maritime routes and taking action against suspected illegal trafficking.
What happens next?
The seized narcotics will be subject to further investigation and legal procedures by the relevant authorities. Details about the identity of those involved in the suspected trafficking attempt were not provided in the initial reports.
Meanwhile, security operations in Balochistan are continuing, with authorities saying clearance and intelligence-based operations will remain underway in areas where militant threats are identified.
