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Coalition Navy Ships Seize 30 Tons of Drugs

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080715-22
Release Date: 7/15/2008 5:21:00 PM

From Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Royal Navy warships operating in the Gulf region as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) have seized 23 of the 30 tons of narcotics found in the past five months, which might otherwise have helped fund the insurgency fighting coalition forces in Afghanistan.

British warships involved were frigates HMS Chatham (F87), HMS Montrose (F235) and destroyer HMS Edinburgh (D97). 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," said Winstanley. "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 Cmdr. Martin Connell, Chatham's commanding officer. "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."

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.