On 7 February 2014, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Melbourne conducted a second drug bust during a boarding operation on a vessel suspected of transporting illicit cargo off the coast of Tanzania. During the operation the frigate’s crew seized 190 kilograms of heroin of around $AU380 million dollars of estimated street value.
Just two days before, on 5 February 2014, crew from HMAS Melbourne had intercepted a shipment of 353 kilograms of heroin during a similar boarding in the area.
In just two days, HMAS Melbourne has confiscated and destroyed over half a tonne of heroin worth a skyrocketing $AU1.086 billion.
Commander Brian Schlegel, RAN Commanding Officer HMAS Melbourne, said:
“During this deployment Melbourne has intercepted a Pirate Action Group, seized and destroyed 23.8 kilograms of methamphetamines and over half a tonne of heroin. This is a good day for HMAS Melbourne but not too good for the drug smugglers.”
The Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate HMAS Melbourne is patrolling the waters of the Middle east Area of Operation within the framework of Operation SLIPPER.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 10, 2014; Image: Royal Australian Navy