A warship of the Royal Navy has moved unexpectedly against a vessel which was carrying £30m worth of illegal drugs.
Based in Portsmouth when not on active service, HMS Lancaster, seized the one and a half tonne load of narcotics while at sea in the Middle East.
It clandestinely followed the suspect through the Arabian Sea for more than a day before it struck.
It is the second interception in three (3) months for the British frigate, which is currently in Bahrain.
A sniper of the Royal Marines circled overhead in a wildcat helicopter, while a boarding team of 42 Commando closed in on the drug runner in the water, in what the Royal Navy described as a pincer movement.
Chris Chew.Commanding Officer Commander, said, the success was credited to the effort of the 210 men and women in HMS Lancaster’s crew.
Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, expressed gratitude to the sailors and Royal Marines for their success.
Pollard said: “I congratulate the crew of HMS Lancaster on this significant seizure, which is keeping dangerous and illegal drugs off our streets.
“This operation highlights the unique role our Royal Navy contributes, working to disrupt criminal operations around the world, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.”
Photo: HMS Lancaster’s sailors and Royal Marines with the haul of illegal narcotics. AP via plymouthherald.co.uk
