This photo shows the drug bust taking place in the northern Indian Ocean. Photo \/ Arme franaise - Oprations militaires via Facebook<\/p>\n
Illegal drugs worth millions of dollars - destined to fund terrorism - have been seized in a New Zealand Navy-led counter-narcotics operation in the Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n
French Marine Nationale frigate FS Languedoc this week intercepted and searched a dhow outside the Arabian Gulf suspected of smuggling, seizing more than 1525kg of hash and 166kg of methamphetamine, Royal New Zealand Navy captain Brendon Clark said.<\/p>\n
The illegal cargo had a combined value of more than US$5.2 million ($7.4m).<\/p>\n
Languedoc was patrolling in support of the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 when it seized the drugs, said Clark, the commander of CTF 150.<\/p>\n
It's the task force's first major drug seizure while under Kiwi control.<\/p>\n
\"Languedoc has once again demonstrated that through collaboration with like-minded partners, CMF [Combined Maritime Forces] is able to seize and destroy millions of dollars' worth of narcotics, the income from which would otherwise be used to fund illicit activities and terrorism.\"<\/p>\n
The outcome owed its success to the strong partnership between CMF, the Marine Nationale and CTF 150, Clark said.<\/p>\n
\"CTF 150's mission is to disrupt criminal and terrorist organisations and their related illicit activities, including the movement of personnel, weapons, narcotics and charcoal.<\/p>\n
\"It supports the Combined Maritime Force, which is a multinational maritime partnership of 34 nations upholding international rules-based order. It counters illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promotes security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 8.3 million sq km of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.\"<\/p>\n
The New Zealand-led multinational team took over command of CTF 150 from Canada this year.<\/p>\n
It was great to have success this early in the New Zealand command, said Commodore Mat Williams, New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Component Commander.<\/p>\n
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\"We're pleased to be able to make a contribution to global security, and it shows the value of working together with our partners in the CMF.\"<\/p>\n
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Read more here: <\/p>\n
Million-dollar drug bust: Royal New Zealand Navy-led team intercept Indian Ocean narcotics run - New Zealand Herald<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This photo shows the drug bust taking place in the northern Indian Ocean. Photo \/ Arme franaise - Oprations militaires via Facebook Illegal drugs worth millions of dollars - destined to fund terrorism - have been seized in a New Zealand Navy-led counter-narcotics operation in the Indian Ocean. French Marine Nationale frigate FS Languedoc this week intercepted and searched a dhow outside the Arabian Gulf suspected of smuggling, seizing more than 1525kg of hash and 166kg of methamphetamine, Royal New Zealand Navy captain Brendon Clark said Continue reading