HMAS Warramunga, featuring a helicopter from HMAS Albatross, has secured another three drug seizures in as many days in the Middle East, claiming almost six tonnes of hashish.
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Warramunga, currently deployed to the Middle East under Operation Manitou, features the MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopter Nemesis from 816 Squadron at the Nowra naval base, has now seized AUD$2.17 billion in illicit drugs.
The three latest hauls on June 3-4-5 are valued at approximately AUD$294.3 million.
The boarding operations were conducted in international waters of the Arabian Sea, with Nowra’s Jacob Dun, an Able Seaman Communication and Information Systems, part of Warramunga’s boarding party.
The first seizure uncovered 3.3 tonnes of hashish from a suspect vessel.
Warramunga’s Romeo crew identified the second and third suspicious vessels carrying 2.6 tonnes and 40 kilograms of hashish.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga, Commander Dugald Clelland said the ship’s company had shown determination and professionalism during the current patrol.
“The crew of HMAS Warramunga has been on deployment in the Middle East for more than six months, but everyone onboard remains focused on the mission at hand,” he said.
“Three successful seizures for Warramunga and taking over AUD$2 billion out of the hands of terrorist networks lifts the morale of the crew, who have all worked exceptionally well together throughout the deployment.”
Warramunga has now intercepted, seized and disposed of approximately 31.8 tonnes of hashish and approximately two tonnes of heroin, valued at around AUD$2.17 billion* since starting operations in the Middle East in November 2017.
Operation Manitou is the Australian Government's contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.
Warramunga is part of the Combined Maritime Forces operating under the United Kingdom-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).
Summary of drug seizures by Warramunga:
December 27-29, 2017: 8 tonnes hashish, 69kg heroin, (three vessels interdicted over this period).
January 3, 2018: hashish, 3.5 tonnes.
January 7, 2018: heroin, 111kg.
January 24, 2018: heroin, 915kg.
February 1, 2018: heroin, 414kg.
March 3, 2018: hashish, 4 tonnes.
March 4, 2018: hashish, 4 tonnes.
March 6, 2018: heroin, 132kg.
May 10, 2018: heroin, 295kg.
May 21, 2018: hashish, 3 tonnes.
May 22, 2018: hashish, 3.2 tonnes.
June 3, 2018: hashish, 3.3 tonnes.
June 4, 2018: hashish, 2.6 tonnes.
June 5, 2018: hashish, 40kg.
*Note: This calculation is based on the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Illicit Drug Data Report 2015–16 figures for Cannabis Resin (Hashish) @ AUD$50,000 per kilo (p. 215) and Heroin @ AUD$300,000 per kilo (p. 216).