ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy seized narcotics worth approximately $750 million during a joint counter-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement issued on Saturday.
The operation was conducted by Pakistan Navy ships PNS Hunain and PNS Yarmook under the ambit of maritime security operations, the navy’s Director General Public Relations said.
According to the statement, the ships intercepted a suspicious boat during routine patrols and conducted a boarding operation. More than 2,800 kilogrammes of narcotics were recovered from concealed compartments on board the vessel during the subsequent inspection.
“This remarkable achievement reflects Pakistan Navy’s sustained surveillance, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the fight against illicit trafficking at sea.”
Following the operation, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the officers and crew of PNS Hunain and PNS Yarmook for their “professionalism, vigilance and dedication”.
He said the Pakistan Navy remained committed to safeguarding national maritime interests and maintaining good order at sea while contributing to the security of the global commons.
The seizure drew swift praise from the country’s civilian leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari commended naval personnel for the operation, according to a statement from the president’s office, APP reported. He said the navy was playing a valuable role in protecting the country’s maritime boundaries and preventing illegal activity at sea.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the sentiment in a separate statement from his office, calling the navy’s anti-narcotics efforts “commendable” and describing its role in guarding sea routes against smuggling as highly significant.
Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026
