Islamabad: In a significant maritime security operation, the Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) ZULFIQUAR, as part of Focused Operation HIMALAYAN SPIRIT, intercepted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of Hashish valued at approximately 26 million US Dollars in the North Arabian Sea. This operation is part of a broader initiative to combat narcotics smuggling and other illicit maritime activities.

According to Pakistan Navy, the successful interdiction was carried out under the Pakistan Navy’s command of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which includes various international naval forces such as the US Navy and US Coast Guard. The operation involved extensive patrolling and coordination among ships and aircraft, including the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group providing aerial surveillance.

The PNS ZULFIQUAR and the Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) KOLACHI conducted boarding operations on several suspicious vessels during the operation, ultimately leading to the discovery and seizure of the hashish. The collaborative effort also included regular exchanges of intelligence about suspicious vessels among participating units, which was crucial for the success of the mission.

This operation underscores the Pakistan Navy’s role in international maritime security and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in key maritime corridors by deterring illegal activities that threaten regional and global security.