According to a Royal Navy news update, HMS Lancaster has struck again in the Middle East, seizing over 1.5 tonnes of illegal narcotics with a UK street value of £30 million.
The dramatic interdiction followed a 24-hour shadowing operation through the Arabian Sea, culminating in a rapid assault by sea and air.
Royal Marines from 42 Commando, guided by live overwatch from a sniper aboard the ship’s Wildcat helicopter, boarded the suspect dhow in a coordinated pincer movement. Onboard, they uncovered 80 packages containing heroin, hashish and amphetamine—1,000kg of heroin, 660kg of hashish, and 6kg of amphetamine.
It marks Lancaster’s second successful bust in three months. The Type 23 frigate, based in Bahrain, operates under the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150 and forms part of the broader Combined Maritime Forces coalition. The Royal Navy’s new Peregrine drones—small uncrewed helicopters capable of extended reconnaissance—played a critical role by feeding live intelligence to the ship’s operations room throughout the mission.
Commander Chris Chew, the ship’s Commanding Officer, praised the crew’s dedication and the success of the ship’s organic assets, stating: “This is another example of where Lancaster has delivered at range, in isolation, utilising her own organic assets.”
He highlighted the contribution of the Wildcat helicopter, the Royal Marines boarding team, and the embarked intelligence team, adding: “They delivered on operations in support of the Combined Maritime Forces and New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150.”
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard commended the sailors and marines: “I congratulate the crew of HMS Lancaster on this significant seizure, which is keeping dangerous and illegal drugs off our streets.”
“This operation highlights the unique role our Royal Navy contributes, working to disrupt criminal operations around the world, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.”
The Commander of Combined Task Force 150, Commodore Rodger Ward of the Royal New Zealand Navy, hailed the bust as a significant disruption to the criminal and terrorist organisations using narcotics to fund their operations.
“Everyone in the team can be proud of their efforts… This is a significant blow to their revenue stream.”
Lancasters hull needs preserving not fragging in the gulf as she maybe needed at any point up to her replacement is commissioned. Makes no sense using her to the point she becomes unusable in a year or so time.