HMAS Warramunga lands 11th narcotics haul

By Baird Maritime - May 14, 2018.

Image: LSIS Tom Gibson – HMAS Warramunga’s boarding party prepare to board a vessel as part of Operation Manitou.

The crew of HMAS Warramunga has seized and disposed of 295 kilograms of heroin valued at AU$88.5 million (US$66.8 million) while patrolling waters in the Arabian Sea on May 10.

The illicit narcotics interdiction is Warramunga’s 11th seizure since deploying to the region in November as part of Operation Manitou.

Warramunga’s illicit drug interceptions total 19.5 tonnes of hashish and almost two tonnes of heroin, valued at AU$1.56 billion.

The narcotics were disposed of at sea.

Manitou is the Australian Government’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.

Combined Taskforce 150, of which Australia assumed command in December, is one of three task forces operating under Combined Maritime Forces.

Warramunga’s Commanding Officer, Commander Dugald Clelland, said the regular seizures have helped to disrupt the nexus between criminality and terrorism.