The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga aced her third Arabian Sea drug interception in two weeks on January 7, bringing the total value of drugs seized to an estimated value of AU$629 million.
The latest operation saw the frigate’s crew seize 111 kilograms of heroin valued at $33 million.
Overall, Warramunga has seized more than 11.5 tonnes of hashish and 180 kilograms of heroin in three operations.
The January 7 operation was carried out under the direction of the Combined Maritime Forces’ Australian-led Combined Task Force 150, after the suspect vessel was assessed to be engaged in possible illegal activity.
The narcotics were disposed of at sea after being transferred to Warramunga.
Commanding officer of Warramunga, Commander Dugald Clelland said the ship’s company was very proud of its contribution to the mission in recent weeks.
“This seizure was the result of a complex operation involving thorough analysis of historical information, careful surveillance and hard work by the boarding party,” Commander Clelland said.
Warramunga is deployed to the Middle East on operation Manitou, Australia’s commitment to maritime security and stability in the region, including the Combined Maritime Forces.