The Royal Navy has seized 3.7 tons of illegal drugs from Middle Eastern drug traffickers, with an estimated street value of £33 million.
HMS Lancaster has seized heroin, hashish and methamphetamine from two different ships in the Middle East within 24 hours. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps as a “fight against criminal networks.”
royal navy The ship was on its first day of security patrol after a period of training when her Wildcat helicopter intercepted a suspicious vessel, kicking off the eight-hour operation.
The warship will work with regional allies to ensure the safety and security of merchant shipping and operate as part of the Canadian-led Joint Task Force 150, which helps combat crime in the region.
HMS Lancaster seized nearly £33 million worth of illegal drugs while patrolling the waters of the Middle East.Image: Ministry of Defense
Thanks to 42 Commando Royal Marines protecting the ship, Lancaster sailors were able to board the ship and a thorough search revealed nearly 100 packages containing heroin and methamphetamine.
Soon after, the Wildcat helicopters of Naval Aviation Squadron 815 once again swept across the Indian Ocean.
The crew spotted another suspicious vessel, prompting the ship to begin tracking it throughout the night.
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The next morning, commandos boarded and secured the ship, and sailors joined the search, uncovering 2.4 tons of cannabis during the six-hour operation.
This brings the total transport volume between the two operations to 3.7 tons. More than two tonnes of illegal drugs have now been destroyed.
According to the National Crime Agency, drug The estimated street value is just under £33 million.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The outstanding achievements of HMS Lancaster and Royal Marine Commando in the Indian Ocean demonstrate the important role our navy plays in maintaining maritime security. Their tireless efforts and professionalism dealt yet another decisive blow to criminal networks.”
“The Royal Navy continues to lead the UK’s commitment to combating global drug smuggling following the massive drug seizure made by HMS Trent on the other side of the world.”
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Commander Chris Sharp said: “I am extremely proud of the entire team at Lancaster for executing these two lockdowns in the first two days of deployment.
“Conducting such a complex intercept in such a challenging environment required a true team effort from the entire shipping company. We share this success with our partners at CTF 150, who provided the necessary support for this operation.”
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