HMAS Parramatta seizes US$5 million in illegal narcotics
14 February 2012The Ship’s Company of HMAS Parramatta has successfully seized and destroyed more than 240 kilograms of illegal narcotics.
The narcotics with an estimated street value of US $5 million, were seized during an investigative boarding of a vessel in the North Arabian Sea on Friday 3 February 2012.
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), part of the United States led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) directed HMAS Parramatta to intercept, board, and search the suspect vessel.
The search revealed over 240 kilograms of amphetamine and heroin concealed in bags of flour and rice which were subsequently destroyed.
The Australian Commander of CTF 150, Commodore Jonathan Mead said, "This represents the culmination of many months of hard work, planning and international co-operation."
The Commanding Officer of HMAS Parramatta, Commander Guy Blackburn, described the mission as a significant event.
"This was a great day for HMAS Parramatta, the Combined Maritime Forces and the Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations," Commander Blackburn said.
HMAS Parramatta’s focus is to enforce maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Task Force.
When called upon, CMF also responds to Safety of Life at Sea and humanitarian crises. CMF includes participation and contributions from 25 countries.
HMAS Parramatta is deployed on Operation SLIPPER and is the 27th rotation by a Royal Australian Navy ship to the region since 2001.
Imagery is available from: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=11122057
Vision will be fed to the Parliament House press gallery.
Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
