In the northern Arabian Sea, Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster delivered its fourth major drug interception of the year, preventing approximately £3 million worth of narcotics from reaching their intended destinations.
HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter first identified the suspicious boat, after which sailors and Royal Marines from the Plymouth-based warship moved in for the seizure.
“HMS Lancaster launched sea boats with a specialist boarding team from 42 Commando embarked, while the Wildcat circled overhead providing cover with Royal Marine snipers,” the report said. The subsequent search revealed more than 200 packages, equivalent to 260kg of heroin and 200kg of hashish.
In high temperatures and rough sea conditions, the confiscated drugs, weighing nearly half a tonne, were securely transferred to HMS Lancaster.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasised the importance of the UK’s naval presence, stating, “HMS Lancaster’s four seizures this year show clearly the benefit that our continuous presence in the Gulf is having for regional and global security.” He continued by expressing pride in the UK Armed Forces’ global efforts to ensure safety and uphold international laws.
Commander Chris Sharp, HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, lauded the collective effort: “I continue to be proud of the teamwork of the whole ship’s company, and their ability to achieve successful interdictions such as this one today.”
This recent bust is among several successful operations conducted by HMS Lancaster in 2023. Earlier operations in June and May led to the seizure of narcotics valued at £10 million and £2.5 million, respectively. This puts the ship’s total interception value at over £15 million for the year, alongside an additional illegal arms shipment interception.
HMS Lancaster collaborates with the international Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150) in these missions. Captain (French Navy) Yannick Bossu, who commands CTF150, commented, “This great seizure demonstrates once again the operational effectiveness of Combined Maritime Forces and illustrates the United Kingdom and France’s common commitment to regional maritime security alongside their regional and international partners.”
Moreover, the ship recently took part in an exercise with the Pakistani Navy following a visit to Karachi. You can read more about what the ship is up to here.
