Mission success for the Royal Navy (RN) as HMS Dragon seized and destroyed 49 kg to the value of $514,500 US bulk value of heroin on 16th February, 2019 in the northern Arabian Sea. This bust marks the fifth successful boarding for HMS Dragon operating under the direction of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.
The Royal Canadian Navy led CTF 150 has been very successful in intercepting illegal drugs in the area, known as the ‘hash highway’. Since taking command on 6th December, 2018, the Task Force has overseen and facilitated twelve drug seizures, totaling in over 17,000 kg of illegal narcotics seized and destroyed to date.
In reaction to HMS Dragon’s latest seizure, Commodore Darren Garnier, Royal Canadian Navy, Commander CTF 150 said: “Our continuous success demonstrates the value of cooperation and collaboration amongst Combined Maritime Forces coalition members. Our coordinated efforts are disrupting the use of the high seas by terrorist organizations as a venue for illicit activities that they use to fund terrorism. Bravo Zulu HMS Dragon and thank you for your diligent efforts in support of CTF 150.”
Combined Maritime Forces is composed of thirty three nations and has three principle task forces: Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which conducts counter-terrorism and maritime security operations; CTF 151, which conducts counter-piracy operations; and CTF 152, which conducts maritime security operations in the Middle East.
Through maritime security operations, regional engagements, and capacity building activities, CTF 150 and coalition partners work to deter and deny terrorist organizations any benefits from employing the high seas for smuggling illicit cargo including narcotics, UN embargoed weapons, and Somalian charcoal.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 