The Royal Navy has seized 3.7 tonnes of illegal drugs from traffickers in the Middle East with an estimated street value of £33m.
HMS Lancaster seized heroin, hashish and crystal meth from two separate vessels in the Middle East within 24 hours, in what has been described by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps as a “blow to criminal networks”.
The Royal Navy ship was on the very first day of her security patrol after a period of training when her Wildcat helicopter intercepted a suspicious vessel, kickstarting an eight-hour operation.
The warship, which will be working with regional allies to ensure the security and safety of merchant shipping, was operating as part of the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150, which helps tackle criminal activity across the region.
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