HMS Defender Seizes 2,500kg Hashish in Indian Ocean Supporting CTF150

February 04: The Royal Navy destroyer HMS DEFENDER has seized 2,500kg of hashish worth £1 million in the Indian Ocean.

This is the warship’s second significant narcotics bust in as many months, after she seized and destroyed a record haul of crystal meth in December.

Portsmouth-based HMS Defender has been operating in support of Combined Task Force 150 – an international team keeping the seas of the Gulf secure.

The drugs bust unfolded after Defender launched her Wildcat helicopter to begin a search for possible illegitimate marine traffic in the Indian Ocean.

Before long, a suspicious dhow was identified and HMS Defender sent a boarding team of Royal Marine Commandos, commanded by RM Lieutenant Ben Clink, to investigate. Once the Royal Marines had secured the dhow, a Royal Navy team followed and searched the vessel for illicit cargo.

The boarding party discovered 2,500kg of hashish in 119 bags hidden throughout the dhow.

CTF 150 is one of three task forces operating under CMF, a multinational naval partnership that protects 3.2 million square miles of international waters. The 33 nations that comprise CMF share intelligence, assets and capabilities.

Source: Royal Navy