Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster recovered more than 1.5 tonnes of drugs worth an estimated £35m after a Royal Marines sniper team disabled a fleeing boat’s engine.
The bust happened recently, as per a recent RN press statement, after three suspect small boats were detected in the Gulf of Oman by the frigate’s 815 Naval Air Squadron Wildcat helicopter.
The patrolling warship dispatched its Peregrine rotary wing uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to track the three small craft, recalling its Wildcat helicopter to refuel and embark a Maritime Sniper Team from 42 Commando.
When the smugglers spotted the helicopter they tried to flee; two of the boats were abandoned, with cargo jettisoned, while the third attempted to flee. The Royal Marines sniper team disabled its engine with a direct hit, even though the vessel was travelling at over 40 knots.
As per the statement: “This is the first time snipers have been called upon to use non-lethal force to disable a suspicious boat in the Gulf region — where typically slow-moving dhows are used to hide the illicit cargoes — unlike the Caribbean, where the tactic has proved effective on several occasions.”
Heroin, crystal meth and hashish with an estimated U.K. street value in excess of £35 million was recovered from the boats and water during the operation.
Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster Commander Sam Stephens said: “I’m hugely proud of the team’s professionalism, patience, and skill throughout what was a protracted chase.”
He added: “This operation saw Lancaster’s crewed and uncrewed aircraft working hand-in-glove under the direction of the ship’s operations room. The outcome was a highly-successful bust.”
Wildcat pilot Lieutenant Guy Warry added: “Non-lethal disabling fire has not been seen in the region and was essential in preventing the drug runners from moving their product.
“Being the Wildcat pilot carrying out a live weapons firing on drug-running skiffs whilst flying backwards to provide a stable platform for the snipers was definitely a career highlight.
“This interdiction is a true testament to the high levels of training that both the flight, MST and ship have achieved prior to the bust.”
According to media reports, HMS Lancaster is due to return to the U.K. later this year ahead of her expected decommissioning, marking an end to a significant permanent RN presence in the Gulf region. No official comment on these plans has been made by the MoD.
- You can read more details about the drugs bust on the Royal Navy website