Two French Navy frigates, part of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, have intercepted over $142 million worth of illegal drugs from various vessels in the Arabian Sea. This event marks one of the most successful drug interdiction periods in the history of Combined Maritime Forces.

The French ships were conducting regular maritime security patrols for several weeks when they stopped several dhows that did not show external markings or communicate via the Automatic Identification System.

After being authorized by CTF 150 for flag-verification boardings, the French crews found illegal drugs on these vessels. In total, they carried out nine separate boarding operations, seizing over 16 tons of crystal methamphetamine and hashish, which were tested and then disposed of.

“The ongoing presence of Combined Maritime Forces, working through international collaboration, in the fight against drug trafficking has led to an incredibly successful period of interdictions,” stated Royal Saudi Naval Forces Commodore Fahad Aljoiad, who commands CTF 150.

This success for the French Navy comes right after another significant interdiction last month. Pakistani warships PNS Yamook and PNS Tabuk seized over four tons of crystal meth and 50 kilograms of cocaine, with a combined estimated value exceeding $295 million in the regional wholesale market.

“In recent months, we have witnessed the most successful period of drug interdictions in CMF history, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our combined naval forces,” Aljoiad added.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces within the Combined Maritime Forces, the largest international naval partnership. The mission of this task force is to deter and disrupt non-state actors from transporting weapons, drugs, and other illegal substances across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces consists of a coalition of 47 nations that work together to maintain the international rules-based order and ensure security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of ocean, which include some of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes.