The Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster has intercepted and seized £5.4 million worth of Class A drugs in the Middle East. The operation involved the use of advanced drone technology. This is the navy’s first drug seizure of 2025.
The Portsmouth-based frigate, currently deployed as part of the Combined Task Force 150, was patrolling the northern Arabian Sea when its Peregrine remote-controlled mini-helicopter spotted suspicious activity between two boats in the dark.
The drone operators identified a small, fast-moving vessel transferring packages to a traditional dhow, a type of fishing and cargo boat commonly used in the region.
HMS Lancaster then launched its Wildcat helicopter for a closer look. As the aircraft approached, its crew confirmed that the vessels were engaged in smuggling operations.
The warship then moved in at full speed, forcing the traffickers into a desperate attempt to dispose of their illegal cargo by throwing the packages overboard.
Royal Navy personnel, including sailors and Royal Mariners, swiftly responded. A sea boat crew recovered the discarded packages from the water and transported them back to the ship for testing.
The substances were later confirmed to be heroin and methamphetamine, totaling 340kg and 83kg respectively.
A member of HMS Lancaster’s boarding team expressed the satisfaction of contributing to such operations, talking about the importance of their role in disrupting the drug trade and making a real difference.
The warship personnel also gained valuable intelligence on drug trafficking operations in the region. The seized drugs were later destroyed, ensuring they would not re-enter circulation.
Reference: Royal Navy