A BAHRAIN-BASED task force has broken its own record after seizing the largest shipment of methamphetamine ever, along with other narcotics valued at more than $330 million.
Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 made the haul during back‑to‑back counter‑narcotics naval operations in the Arabian Sea in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. These were led by the rotating command of member nations, including Pakistan, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.
The first quarter of the US government’s 2026 fiscal year ran from October 1 to December 31, 2025, while the fourth and final quarter will conclude on September 30, 2026.
The task force, which is under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), added that according to Regional Narcotics Interagency Fusion Cell (RNIFC), the series of interdictions has proved to be a milestone for the units.
Bahrain-based RNIFC works closely with CMF to counter illegal drug shipments in the region. The fusion cell analyses and disseminates military intelligence and law enforcement information to assist in transnational threats emanating from illicit drug trades.
“The most significant operation occurred on October 18 when the Pakistan Navy, operating under a Saudi-led CTF 150, seized more than two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) and 50kg of cocaine in the North Arabian Sea, with an estimated regional wholesale value of more than $157m,” said a CMF statement.
“Then, a second large haul of ICE happened in November, estimated to be worth more than $130m, making it the second largest meth seizure in the history of CMF and CTF 150.”
Following the two historic interdictions, two French Navy frigates – operating in direct support of the task force – conducted nine separate boarding operations, and seized more than 16 tonnes of ICE and hashish, with a combined value of more than $142m from multiple vessels in the Arabian Sea – bringing the fiscal year 2026 first quarter illicit drug seizures to be estimated at more than $333.5m.
Prior to October, under the rotating command of member nations New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, the task force conducted numerous, successful counter-narcotics operations in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, resulting in the seizure of more than 30 metric tonnes of illicit drugs, including ICE, heroin and cocaine.
“The success of CTF 150’s operations throughout 2025 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mission, and deals a major blow to the funding of terrorist and criminal organisations,” said CMF deputy commander Royal Navy Commodore Ben Aldous.
“We are sending a clear message to smugglers that we will not tolerate the use of the high seas for their illicit activities.
“Every seizure we make is a setback to the criminal and terrorist organisations that profit from this destructive trade.”
Other notable seizures last year include a more than $36m haul of heroin, hashish and amphetamine by a New Zealand-led task force with the Royal Navy Duke-class Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster (F229) in May.
There were several other multi-million dollar drug busts throughout the year.
Counter-narcotics operations in 2025 built on the successful seizures accomplished by the French Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Pakistan Navy during fiscal year 2024, when CTF 150 seized more than 12 tonnes of methamphetamine, 21.6 tonnes of hashish, and 3.7 tonnes of heroin, estimated at $386m.
CTF 150 is one of five task forces under CMF, with a mission to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
CMF’s other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.
CMF is a 47-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2m
square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
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