KARACHI: In an impeccable joint maritime operation, Pakistan Navy (PN) and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) captured about three tonnes of hashish worth millions of dollars from a dhow in the North Arabian Sea on Wednesday. The intelligence based operation was conducted in coordination with the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF).

Seizing narcotics at sea is always a risky and complex proposition owing largely to the enormous vastness of the seas that entails a challenging task of seamless monitoring. Nonetheless, this maritime operation was a result of careful planning, ubiquitous surveillance and analysis of pattern-of-life of huge number of vessels in the area. The seized narcotic/drugs were handed over to ANF for further disposal.

Successful culmination of such an intricate maritime operation signifies the maturity of teamwork, coordination and cooperation of our maritime forces. This also assures the nation that PN and PMSA are ever ready, vigilant and responsive forces committed in preventing the use of our seas for any unlawful purpose and to ensure free flow of legitimate commerce.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2018