Pakistan intercepts $215m drug haul in Arabian Sea operation near Gwadar

Pakistani maritime authorities have seized a narcotics consignment worth an estimated $215 million in a joint operation off the coast of Gwadar, recovering large quantities of hashish and crystal methamphetamine that officials said were being smuggled to international destinations.

The intelligence-based operation was conducted by the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Coast Guards with the support of the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) in the Pishukan area near Gwadar, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy on Monday.

Authorities recovered 2,000 kilograms of narcotics during the raid, including 1,500 kilograms of hashish and 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice.

Officials said the shipment was being transported through the Arabian Sea as part of an international smuggling network when it was intercepted by maritime law enforcement agencies.

The seized drugs have been handed over to the Pakistan Coast Guards for completion of legal formalities and further investigation.

In its statement, the Pakistan Navy described the operation as an example of effective coordination between maritime security institutions and said such cooperation remained essential in disrupting trafficking routes operating through regional waters.

The navy reiterated its resolve to prevent Pakistan’s maritime domain from being used for narcotics smuggling and other unlawful activities.