US and UK navies seize 20 tonnes of narcotics

Manama: More than 20 tonnes of narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $100 million (Dh367 million) have been seized by the US Navy and British Navy warships over the last three months.

The figure announced on Monday takes the total quantity of narcotics seized by the US and British maritime forces to more than 53 tonnes during 2008, the US Navy said in a statement sent to Gulf News.

According to the US Navy, the drugs seized "could have helped to fund the insurgency fighting coalition forces in Afghanistan as well as contribute to instability in the region."

The navy however did not say where the drugs originated from or divulge their final destination.

"The seizure of these drugs cuts off a vital lifeline of funds to those conducting destabilising activities in the region," Tim Lowe, deputy commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, said. "By stemming the flow of these drugs, we play a crucial role in providing security and stability to the entire region."

The navy said that sailors from the ships discovered hidden drugs in vessels operating along the so-called "Hash Highway" and destroyed large quantities of narcotics but always "ensured sufficient evidence was gathered to aid in subsequent investigations by local authorities after the drug smugglers were handed over for prosecution."

"The smugglers need to know there are consequences for their actions," said Lowe. "By aggressively patrolling these waters, we send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here and we won't tolerate drug trafficking in international waters."