The French Navy has confiscated around five tons of narcotics from traditional boats in the Arabian Sea, with the shipment’s estimated value reaching 70 million euros (approximately 80 million U.S. dollars).
According to the UAE-based Indian Ocean Maritime Command, a French naval vessel intercepted four unregistered boats in the Indian Ocean in May. The operation led to the seizure of nearly five tons of heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis, reports Al-Rai daily.
The naval ship was on an anti-trafficking mission in international waters when it carried out the seizure. Authorities confirmed that the illicit cargo, worth an estimated 70 million euros, was subsequently destroyed.
The French Navy regularly patrols this strategic maritime region to curb smuggling operations, especially those targeting Europe and France. In total, over 48.2 tons of drugs have been seized in the area so far in 2024.
