The Pakistan Navy on Monday announced the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately Rs59.7 billion ($215 million) during a joint intelligence-based counter-narcotics operation near the Gwadar coastline in Balochistan province. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) in Pishukan town on the western shore of Gwadar West Bay, resulted in the confiscation of 1,500 kilograms of hashish and 500 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.”
Details of the Operation
The Pakistan Navy stated that the operation was based on actionable intelligence and involved close collaboration between naval forces and the PCG. The seized contraband was being transported via the Arabian Sea to international destinations. “The value of seized consignment is approximately USD 215 Million in the international market,” the navy said in a statement. The narcotics were handed over to the PCG for further legal proceedings.
Significance of the Seizure
This seizure underscores the Pakistan Navy’s active role in maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea, where it regularly intercepts illegal drug shipments. The navy frequently works with international task forces to disrupt smuggling routes used for narcotics trafficking. The statement highlighted that the operation demonstrated effective inter-agency coordination and the navy’s resolve to prevent the use of the sea for illicit activities.
Broader Context of Drug Trafficking
These actions are part of the Pakistan Navy’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking along the country’s coastline and disrupt criminal networks moving drugs across South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. In October last year, a Pakistan Navy ship operating under a Saudi-led multinational task force seized narcotics worth nearly Rs271 billion ($972 million) in the North Arabian Sea.
Impact on Regional Security
The seizure near Gwadar, a key port in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlights the strategic importance of maritime security in the region. By intercepting such large consignments, the Pakistan Navy and its partners aim to reduce the flow of illicit drugs that fuel crime and instability. The operation also reinforces the effectiveness of joint operations between national agencies in combating transnational organized crime.
