The crew of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS 'Parramatta' has successfully seized and destroyed more than 240 kilograms of illegal narcotics.
The narcotics, with an estimated street value of US $5 million, were seized during an investigative boarding of a vessel in the North Arabian Sea on February 3. Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), part of the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) directed HMAS 'Parramatta' to intercept, board, and search the suspect vessel. The search revealed over 240 kilograms of amphetamine and heroin concealed in bags of flour and rice, which were subsequently destroyed.
"This represents the culmination of many months of hard work, planning and international co-operation," said Commodore Jonathan Mead, the Australian Commander of CTF 150.
The commanding officer of HMAS 'Parramatta', Commander Guy Blackburn, described the mission as a significant event.
"This was a great day for HMAS 'Parramatta', the Combined Maritime Forces and the Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations," he said.
HMAS 'Parramatta''s focus is to enforce maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Task Force. When called upon, CMF also responds to safety of life at sea and humanitarian crises. CMF includes participation and contributions from 25 counties.
HMAS 'Parramatta' is deployed on Operation SLIPPER and is the 27th rotation by a RAN ship to the region since 2001.
