HMAS Warramunga’s crew, including a Romeo helicopter from the 816 Squardon based at HMAS Albatross, has made one of the largest drug seizures in Operation Manitou’s history as part of the Australian-led Combined Task Force 150.
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In a joint counter-narcotics operation, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) seized 915 kilograms of heroin valued in excess of AUD$274 million.
A RNZ Air Force P-3K2 aircraft detected a suspicious vessel in the Western Indian Ocean on January 23, which was boarded and investigated by the crew in RAN frigate HMAS Warramunga on January 24.
Over the past two months Warramunga’s crew has seized and destroyed more than 11.5 tonnes of hashish and over one tonne of heroin, valued in excess of $900 million.
Commander of Australian Defence Force personnel in the Middle East, Rear Admiral Jaimie Hatcher said the latest operation highlighted the significant contribution both Australia and New Zealand make to maritime security in the region.
“Warramunga has now intercepted six vessels carrying illegal narcotics since November,” Rear Admiral Hatcher said.
“This operation highlights the important role played by partner nations, as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), in increasing maritime security in the Middle East and Western Indian Ocean.”
Read more: January 1 – HMAS Albatross crew in successful drug raid
Read more: January 5 – Royal Australian Navy makes another major drug bust
Read more: January 10 – Albatross helo part of Warramunga’s third Middle East drug seizure in two weeks
Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga, Commander Dugald Clelland said the operation was a team effort between close partners.
“The RNZAF P-3 was able to identify the vessel and direct us to a successful boarding resulting in the seizure of a very significant quantity of illegal narcotics,” Commander Clelland said.
The illegal drugs were transferred to Warramungafor disposal at sea.
Warramunga has so far seized eight tonnes hashish, 69kg heroin, (three vessels interdicted over this period) December 27-29, 2017: 3.5 tonnes of hashish January 3, 2018: 111kg heroin January 7, 2018: and 915kg heroin January 24, 2018.
This is Warramunga’s third deployment to the Middle East region, and is the 66th rotation of a RAN vessel in the region since 1990.
Operation 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 is one of three task forces operating under Combined Maritime Forces. Australia assumed command the Combined Task Force 150 in December 2017.
