The French Navy has announced the seizure of nearly five tons of narcotics from several vessels in the Arabian Sea, with the estimated value of the drugs reaching approximately €70 million.
According to a statement from the Indian Ocean Maritime Command, based in the United Arab Emirates, four unflagged sailing vessels were intercepted by the French Navy in international waters during May. The operation led to the confiscation of nearly one ton of heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis.
“The French naval vessel was deployed as part of the fight against illegal trafficking and operated in the international waters of the Arabian Sea,” the navy confirmed. The seized cargo, valued at around €70 million, was subsequently destroyed.
Ongoing Naval Surveillance Against Drug Trafficking
The French Navy regularly patrols the region to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling, particularly operations targeting Europe and France. In 2024 alone, over 48.2 tons of narcotics were intercepted and seized by French maritime forces.
In a similar operation earlier this year, the Indian Navy, part of the Combined Maritime Forces, seized over 2.5 tons of narcotics in the Arabian Sea, worth approximately $8 million.
This international naval coalition, headquartered in Bahrain, was established in 2001 to combat criminal and terrorist activities in Gulf waters.
