Bags of illegal narcotics are seized from a stateless vessel by the US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146) in the Gulf of Oman. Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

In a display of international cooperation, the Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, under the command of the US Coast Guard, intercepted a stateless vessel in the Gulf of Oman, seizing approximately $25m worth of illegal drugs.

This recent operation is a testament to the commitment of the Combined Maritime Forces to safeguarding the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

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On October 3, the US Coast Guard Cutter USCGC John Scheuerman successfully operated against an unidentified vessel operating in international waters.

The seizure comprised 360kg of methamphetamines, 107kg of heroin, and 1,961kg of hashish.

This year, the US Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), seized $42m worth of illegal drugs from a fishing vessel as it transited the Gulf of Oman. 

This recent success follows another interception by the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster (F229) during a CTF 150 operation in the Arabian Sea. The HMS Lancaster apprehended over 450kg of illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of $9.5m. The HMS Lancaster departed for a three-year security mission in the Gulf of Oman in August 2022.

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French Navy Capt. Yannick Bossu, commander of CTF 150, voiced his satisfaction with the operation, stating, “This new seizure, the second since the French Navy took command of CTF 150 last July, again shows the commitment of Combined Maritime Forces working together to enhance maritime security in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.”

In another illegal drugs seizure this year, a French warship operating with CTF 150 seized £108m worth of illicit drugs in the Indian Ocean.

CTF 150 operates under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces. Its primary focus is maritime security operations beyond the Arabian Gulf. Since 2021, Combined Maritime Forces have seized over $1bn in illegal drugs while patrolling Middle Eastern waters.

This 38-nation naval partnership promotes security and stability across 3.2m square miles of water, encompassing some of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.