New Zealand-led maritime task force makes $191m drug bust in Middle East

A New Zealand-led multi-national maritime task force has made its second drug bust of the year, seizing 318 kg of heroin and 83 kg of methamphetamine in the Middle East with a street value of NZ$332 million (US$191 million), the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said on Friday, March 14.

Late last week, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster was patrolling in the north Arabian Sea when one of the ship’s uncrewed aircraft systems identified suspicious nighttime activity among some dhows. A Wildcat helicopter was sent to investigate further, and the crew observed packages being transferred between a small craft and a dhow.

The following day, after becoming aware of Lancaster’s sea boat approaching them, the smugglers allegedly attempted to dispose of the packages overboard.

However, the packages were recovered by Lancaster's crew and were subsequently tested and disposed of.

The NZDF estimates that the drugs had a street value of NZ$375 million.

Lancaster is part of the Combined Maritime Task Force 150 (CTF 150), which is currently being led by the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Commodore Rodger Ward.

Last month, the United States Coast Guard cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell seized nearly 2,400 kg of hashish aboard a dhow off the coast of Oman.

CTF 150 is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces based in Bahrain and is focussed on maritime security in the Middle East region, in particular the disruption of drug smuggling operations.

Note: On March 17, 2025, the NZDF sent an amended release stating that the estimated street value of the seized narcotics is NZ$332 million (US$191 million) and not NZ$375 million (US$213 million) as initially reported.