Australian Navy frigate seizes 2.1 tonnes of drugs hidden on fishing boats in the Middle East - including 345kg of heroin and hashish with a street value of more than $200million
- Australian navy seized more than $200million worth of drugs in the Middle East
- In the two-day operation they seized 2.1 tonnes of hashish and heroine
- The drugs were detained after officials became suspicious of two fishing boats
- HMAS Ballart have spent nine months in the Middle East working on operations
The Australian navy have seized drugs with a street value of more than $200million hidden on fishing boats in the Middle East.
The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Ballarat discovered 2.1 tonnes of hashish and 345kg of heroin in a two-day operation in January.
The drugs were detained after officers started investigating to two dubious fishing vessels navigating the Arabian Sea.
The Australian Navy have seized more than $200million worth of drugs in a two-day operation in the Middle East (File picture)
'The boardings were conducted under the direction of the Combined Maritime Forces in international waters,' Commanding Officer Paul Johnson said.
'Ballarat's success so far has been the result of a complex operation using sophisticated technology, information networks and careful surveillance to detect vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking,' Mr Johnson added.
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The bust was part of Operation Manitou, which is the name for the name given to the Australian Government's efforts to support the 'maritime security, stability and prosperity' in the Middle East Region.
HMAS Ballarat discovered 2.1 tonnes of hashish and heroin after becoming suspicious of two fishing vessels (pictured)
The unit have previously confiscated 931kg of heroin in December and 3.1 tonnes of hashish at the start of 2019.
HMAS Ballart has spent nine months in the Middle East working on numerous operations including counter terrorism.
The unit are also working to stop piracy operations in the North Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
HMAS Ballart has spent nine 9 months in the Middle East working on numerous operations including counter terrorism
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