Pakistan Navy seizes 1,500kg hashish worth $3 million in Arabian Sea anti-smuggling operation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy ship Yamama, deployed on a Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) in the Arabian Sea, seized 1,500 kilograms of hashish worth an estimated $3 million during an anti-narcotics operation, the military said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the interdiction reflects the Navy’s continued focus on countering illicit activities and maintaining security across the maritime domain. It said the Navy routinely conducts RMSP missions to strengthen vigilance at sea and protect national maritime interests.

The statement added that Pakistan Navy also plays an active role in joint and coordinated maritime security efforts with regional and international partners, contributing to a safer operating environment in surrounding waters.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the operation, saying the seizure demonstrated the Navy’s “strict vigilance and professionalism” in preventing smuggling attempts. He said the recovery of 1,500kg of narcotics had dealt a significant blow to smuggling networks and expressed confidence that enhanced surveillance would further curb illegal trafficking through sea routes.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) arrested six suspects and recovered over 200 kg of drugs valued at more than Rs 217 million in a countrywide operation.

According to an ANF spokesman, in an operation near a college in District Attock, 1.2 kg of hashish was recovered from a motorcyclist. The arrested suspect confessed to selling drugs to the students of different educational institutions.

In another operation near the Motorway Toll Plaza in Islamabad, 15.6 kg of hashish was seized from a truck, and two accused were arrested during the operation.

In the third operation near a restaurant on GT Road, Burhan, District Attock, 2.4 kg of hashish was seized from a vehicle and two drug dealers were arrested. On Haji Shah Road, Attock, 1.2 kg of hashish was recovered from the possession of a motorcyclist.

In the 5th operation conducted near Western Bypass, Hazarganj District, Quetta, 180 kg of heroin was recovered. Separate cases have been registered against the culprits.