Coalition forces, operating in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force 150, seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics, with an estimated value of $70 million, stashed in vessels operating along the so-called 'Hash Highway.' CTF 150 is a multi-national task force that that conducts Maritime Security Operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

Coalition forces, operating in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force 150, seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics July 7, with an estimated value of $70 million.

A U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft and a British warship located and tracked the vessel in the Gulf of Aden and then the crew from the UK ship boarded the dhow approximately 150 miles southeast of Salalah, Oman. This drug seizure is the largest by coalition naval forces in 2009.

The drugs seized by coalition naval forces could have helped to fund the insurgency fighting coalition forces in Afghanistan as well as contribute to instability in the region.

“The seizure of these drugs takes money out of the hands of those financing terrorists in the region,” said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Combined Maritime Forces. “The smugglers need to know that coalition forces are patrolling the seas and skies above. These efforts send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here and we won’t tolerate drug trafficking in international waters.”

During the boarding, coalition sailors discovered the drugs in vessels operating along the so called ‘Hash Highway’ and destroyed large quantities of narcotics.

CTF 150 forces have seized more than 18 tons of narcotics during 2009, highlighting the continual presence in the region and the commitment to creating and maintaining a lawful maritime order. In 2008, CTF 150 seized more than 53 tons of narcotics.

CTF 150 is a multi-national task force that that conducts Maritime Security Operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The Task Force was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling and deter other destabilizing activities to develop security in the maritime environment and create a lawful maritime order.

MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seeks to disrupt violent extremist use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Through training opportunities with regional partners, CTF 150 enhances existing cooperative relationships which aim to support regional countries’ struggles against violent extremism.

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Royal Navy warships operating in the Gulf region as part of the Combined Maritime Forces have seized 23 tons of narcotics which could have helped to fund the insurgency fighting coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Seizures by coalition naval forces over the past five months can now be revealed – and total 30 tonnes, over 70 percent of which (23 tons) was down to Royal Navy interceptions.

British warships involved were frigates HMS Chatham and HMS Montrose and destroyer HMS Edinburgh. They were supported by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary helicopter support ship Argus and her embarked Sea King aircraft.

Sailors and royal marines from the ships discovered hidden drugs in vessels along the so-called ‘Hash Highway’, and often operated in the most unpleasant conditions. The narcotics they seized included hashish, opiates, cocaine and amphetamines.

Speaking from the CMF headquarters in Bahrain, the Commander of Royal Navy forces in the region, Commodore Keith Winstanley said the trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious problem.

“The scourge of illegal drugs are one of the gravest threats to the long term security of Afghanistan, and a vital source of funding for the Taliban warlords who seek violence against Afghan, coalition and NATO forces,” he said. “Our mission in Afghanistan is one of absolute importance, and by seizing these drugs we have dealt a significant blow to the illegal trade. News of these successes has been kept quiet for operational reasons, but I am delighted that the tremendous efforts can now be recognized.”

Winstanley stressed the coalition aspect of the counter-drugs operations, pointing out that tactical command at sea had been under the auspices of Pakistani, French and Canadian Task Force Commanders.

“This is a really positive result for Chatham, but is in fact routine business for us,” said Chatham’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Martin Connell said. “We managed to locate the vessel and then conduct a very unpleasant boarding in demanding conditions. My sailors and marines did an outstanding job in managing to locate six tons of illegal narcotics plus other significant intelligence.”

By some estimates hashish accounts for half the profits from the drug trade in the region. The United Nations World Drug Report estimates that drug addiction rates have almost tripled in the Arab world.

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