A Royal Navy frigate has seized £15.5 million worth of drugs from a dhow in the Arabian Sea in its fifth narcotics raid this year. HMS Montrose targeted the small vessel after the ship’s Wildcat helicopter tracked the movements of the suspect boat.
A boarding party of Royal Marines searched the vessel and found 870kg of crystal methamphetamine in a secret compartment following the six-hour operation. The haul has a wholesale value of £15.5 million, according to the National Crime Agency.
A navy spokesman said: “HMS Montrose pounced after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats. Royal Marines from 42 Commando, the UK military’s specialists in these operations, seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit cargo.
