Manama, Bahrain – A United Kingdom Royal Navy frigate seized more than 6.5 tonnes of illicit narcotics from a fishing vessel while conducting patrols in international waters in the Sea of Oman on March 2.

HMS Montrose (F236) was operating as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of three task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, a 34-nation partnership headquartered in Bahrain, with US Naval Forces Central Command and US 5th Fleet. CTF 150 conducts regional patrols to locate and disrupt unlawful maritime activity.

The seizure consisted of 6,566kg of hashish, with an estimated US street value of US$9mn. The narcotics were confiscated and loaded aboard HMS Montrose for analysis and destruction.

“This seizure of such a huge quantity of narcotics in a single boarding is highly commendable,” said Pakistani Navy Commodore Vaqar Muhammad, CTF 150’s current commander.

HMS Montrose is a Duke-class frigate that has been operating in the Middle East since March 2019. This is the fourth successful CTF 150-led narcotics interception of 2022.

It’s the third strike of the year in the Sea of Oman for the Bahrain-based warship – and the ninth she has scored since beginning her extended Middle East mission three years ago, depriving traffickers of an estimated £95mn in total.

“I’m really proud of the team; we conducted this boarding efficiently using the experience we’ve gained over the past three months,” said Lieutenant Joe Martin RM, the Royal Marines boarding officer.

“We learn each time we board a vessel, never resting on our laurels and continually honing our edge.”

While the commandos and sailors conducted their thorough search of the suspect vessel, the ship’s Wildcat helicopter provided support and protection throughout.

“Once again, HMS Montrose and her ship’s company have proven their capability in the battle against illegal and illicit activity in the region,” said the frigate’s commanding officer Commander Claire Thompson.

“Six and a half tonnes is a great achievement and these results only happen because of the collective effort and skill of the incredibly professional, highly- trained and dedicated people that the Royal Navy employs and that I have the privilege to command.”