In its sixth successful haul in eight weeks, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Newcastle has seized 139kg of heroin, with an estimated street value of around $AUD 41 million, off the East coast of Africa.
Under the auspices of the Combined Maritime Forces, the latest haul brings the Australian Navy’s total seizures in the Middle East region over the last two years to an estimated street value of $AUD 2.3 billion.
The latest haul was recovered during a routine verification boarding on 3 July when Newcastle intercepted a dhow and discovered the narcotics hidden on board.
Newcastle was patrolling with the Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 150 currently led by France.
Since France took command of Combined Task Force 150 in early April, Combined Maritime Forces ships have seized 1.7 tons of heroin.
Image: Australian Navy