https://arab.news/896sv
- “Operation Himalayan Spirit” conducted by Pakistan and US navy coast guards and ships
- Navy says operation testament to its commitment to safeguard critical maritime choke points
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy seized 1.3 tons of narcotics valued at approximately $26 million during a targeted operation in the North Arabian Sea aimed at disrupting “illicit maritime activities” on Thursday, the navy said in a press release.
Pakistan Navy, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, frequently carries out such narcotics seizure operations in the country’s territorial waters.
“Operation Himalayan Spirit” was conducted by Pakistan’s PNS Zulfiqar, which is part of the navy’s combined task force to curb illegal activities at sea. It was assisted by PMSS Kolachi along with the US Navy and US Coast Guard ships that were conducting operations in nearby waters.
“Pakistan Navy ship PNS Zulfiqar while participating in Focused Operation Himalayan Spirit successfully interdicted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of hashish in the North Arabian Sea,” the navy said.
The operation was supported by aerial surveillance from a Pakistan Navy aircraft and the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the press release said, adding that information regarding suspicious boats was regularly exchanged among all units involved in the operation.
Pakistan’s navy described the operation’s success testament to the country’s commitment to ensure peace and security at the “world’s critical maritime choke points.”
In June, the Pakistan Navy seized 389 kilograms of highly valuable drugs during an anti-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea.
Last year in May, it seized over 4,000 kilograms of hashish worth over $65 million with the country’s Anti-Narcotics Force.