The Pakistan Navy seized narcotics worth approximately $96 million during two successful counter-narcotics operations while deployed in the Arabian Sea, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.

In a press release, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook conducted the operations “at extended ranges from [the] Pakistani coast, resulting in [the] successful seizure of a large cache of narcotics”.

“During the operations, two dhows were intercepted, and approximately 850 kilogrammes of ice and 2,000kg of hashish/cannabis were recovered from concealed compartments inside the vessels,” it said.

The seized narcotics, valued at approximately $96m, were taken into custody and will subsequently be handed over to the authorities concerned for further disposal and legal proceedings, according to ISPR.

“The successful operations reflect the Pakistan Navy’s sustained presence, vigilance and commitment to regional maritime security and the fight against illicit trafficking at sea,” the statement concluded.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy for its successful counter-narcotics operations in the Arabian Sea.

In a statement, he said that the “navy’s role in preventing illegal activities within the country’s maritime boundaries and safeguarding regional maritime security was commendable”.

He commended the navy’s continuous vigilance, readiness and resolve against illicit drug smuggling at sea.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Pakistan Navy for its “successful and timely” operations.

In a statement, he said the navy’s role in regional maritime security and in preventing illegal activities at sea was commendable.

Last month, the Pakistan Navy seized narcotics worth approximately $750m during a joint counter-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea. The operation was conducted by Pakistan Navy ships Hunain and Yarmook under the ambit of maritime security operations.

In June, the navy seized around two tonnes of drugs — 1,500kg of hashish and 500kg of ice — near the coastline of Gwadar. The value of seized drugs was estimated at around $215m in the international market.

In October last year, the navy seized narcotics worth more than $972m from sailboats in the Arabian Sea.