Drugs Seized at Sea: HMAS Melbourne Makes 4th Drug Bust

Posted by Greg Trauthwein December 29, 2015

HMAS Melbourne Narcotics seizure: HMAS Melbourne is conducting Maritime security Operations under the authority of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean during her deployment in the Middle East Region on Operation MANITOU, Australians contribution to the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). (Copyright: Australian Department of Defence; Photographer ABS Bonny Gassner)

HMAS Melbourne personnel have completed a fourth successful drug seizure for Operation MANITOU after seizing 118kg of heroin from a fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean.

The ship’s boarding party completed a thorough search of the vessel on December 26 and discovered 118kg of drugs hidden inside which was subsequently transported onboard HMAS Melbourne for further analysis and disposal. Specialized equipment onboard the Australian Guided Missile Frigate identified the drugs as high grade heroin which is valued at approximately $108.8 million based on Australian Crime Commission figures.

Commodore Jaimie Hatcher, the commander of the joint Australian/Canadian Combined Task Force 150 who directed the mission, said the boarding reinforces the commitment and capability of Navy personnel who deploy to the region. “This latest seizure is testament to the professionalism of HMAS Melbourne’s crew and the Royal Australian Navy in general,” he said.

“The message here to smugglers who try to make a profit from running drugs for terrorists is simple – we will pursue you.” Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the latest seizure took the total drugs seized by RAN ships in the Middle East to more than five tonnes in the past two years.

“The Navy personnel deployed to the Middle East are on duty around the clock and everyday of the week and continue to do a fantastic job. Their commitment is again demonstrated over this year’s Christmas period,” he said. “Since starting operational duties in September 2015, Melbourne has conducted four successful seizures of illegal narcotics totalling more than 900 kilograms.

Melbourne is conducting maritime security operations with the multinational Combined Maritime Forces as part of CTF150. The ship’s operations encompass the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf during her deployment in the Middle East Region.

One of several task groups assigned to Combined Maritime Forces, CTF150 undertakes maritime security patrols in the region to counter maritime related terrorism and to intercept the trafficking of drugs and illicit cargoes that help fund international terrorist activities.

This is Melbourne’s eighth deployment to the Middle East Region and the 61st for the RAN since the Gulf War in 1991.