FS Courbet Seizes 3,534kg Hashish in Gulf of Oman

December 13: On Friday 13 December 2019, French Ship (FS) COURBET, a frigate operating in the Gulf of Oman in direct support of Combined Task Force 150, seized 3,534kg of hashish, with an estimated regional wholesale value of $1.8m.

A specially trained team boarded the dhow using one of COURBET’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) and conducted a thorough search of the vessel.

“This seizure is significant,” said Commodore Ray Leggatt, Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Commander of CTF 150. “It represents cash taken out of the pockets of terrorist organisations and drugs taken off the streets. The crew of FS COURBET deserves recognition for their vigilance, professionalism, and skill in making this bust.”

This is CTF 150’s first seizure under its new Australian command. Cdre Ray Leggatt assumed command of CTF 150, on 5 December.  In addition to the RAN, the staff also includes members from the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy.

CTF 150’s mission is to disrupt terrorist organisations and their related illegal activities by restricting their freedom of manoeuvre in the maritime domain. The activities of CTF 150 are a critical part of global counter-terrorism efforts, as terrorist organisations are denied a risk-free method of conducting operations or moving personnel, weapons or income-generating narcotics and charcoal.

Source: Combined Maritime Forces