Feb. 12, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release CMF#002-12

AUSTRALIAN LED COMBINED TASK FORCE DISRUPTS NARCOTICS SHIPMENT

By Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

Combined Task Force 150 (CTF), one of three Task Forces within Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) conducted a successful disruption of a vessel carrying illicit cargo in the north Arabian Sea, Feb. 3, 2012.

The combined Australian and New Zealand staff of CTF 150 worked with CMF and other agencies to coordinate maritime security operations to disrupt the activities of extremist terrorist organizations.

The joint Australian effort led by HMAS PARRAMATTA intercepted, boarded and searched the suspected vessel. The boarding was conducted in accordance with International Law as the vessel was of unknown nationality. The search revealed 240 kilograms of amphetamine and heroin concealed in bags of flour and rice. The ships’ boarding team destroyed the illicit cargo.

In describing the success of the mission Commodore Jonathan Mead, Commander CTF 150 stated:

‘This represents the accumulation of many months of hard work, planning and international co-operation. This seizure marks the first interdiction of illicit cargo by a CMF asset in over two and a half years. I am advised that the volume of narcotics signifies a street value of approximately 5 million Australian dollars. The destruction of this illicit cargo is a victory for those who hope to create a lawful and stable maritime environment and is a blow for terrorists who seek to fund their activities through the transportation of narcotics on the high seas.”

HMAS PARRAMATTA has been on task since leaving Sydney in September 2011 and is a highly professional asset and a key player in international maritime security operations. CMF includes participation and contributions from 25 nations. PARRAMATTA is the 27th rotation by a Royal Australian Naval warship to the region since 2001.

Commanding Officer of HMAS PARRAMATTA, Commander Guy Blackburn described the mission as a significant event:

“This was a great day for HMAS Parramatta, a great day for the Combined Maritime Forces and a great day for the Australian forces in the Middle East area of operations. The crew of HMAS Parramatta is very proud of this result as it comes after months of hard work and the persistence of many agencies. Parramatta has been on task since leaving Sydney in September 2011 and is a highly professional, key player in our maritime security operations.”

CMF operates to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs, and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business. When called upon, CMF also responds to SOLAS and humanitarian crises.

For further information contact the Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs Office on 011-973-1785-9981 or via email at
M-BA-CUSNC-CMF_PAO@me.navy.mil

Photos:

The Royal Australian Navy ANZAC frigate HMAS Parramatta is currently on her fourth rotation to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) as part of Operation Slipper and is the 27th Royal Australian Navy ship to deploy since 2001. HMAS Parramatta is captained by Commander Guy Blackburn and is deployed to the MEAO as part of the Australian contribution to the Combined Maritime Forces, working under various United Nations Security Council Resolutions to provide maritime security in the Gulf and Horn of Africa region and as part of the international commitment to counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Just 2 months into a 6 month deployment, HMAS Parramatta has conducted maritime security operations in the Gulf Region and the Horn of Africa, conducted counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the Gulf of Aden and supported a number of counter-terrorism activities. The 190 strong crew celebrated Christmas in the Gulf of Aden, where spirits were high after receiving Christmas gifts and well wishes from loved ones in Australia. However celebrations were brief as, even on Christmas Day and throughout the holiday period, operations did not cease and the crew remained vigilant to their task of providing security to the strategic waterways in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa region. (Photo by Sergeant Mick Davis, 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit)

20120203 RAN 8093362_015 (Feb. 3, 2012) The suspect dhow was intercepted by HMAS Parramatta’s SH-60 Seahawk helicopter in the North Arabian Sea.

20120203 RAN 8093362_038 (Feb. 3, 2012) Boarding teams from HMAS PARRAMATTA currently operating under the command of CTF-150, intercept and board a dhow suspected of trafficking illegal narcotics in the North Arabian Sea. Upon boarding the vessel, a search was undertaken and 240kg of amphetamine and heroin was discovered and subsequently destroyed.

20120203 RAN No Ref (Feb.3, 2012) Australian Navy personnel from HMAS Parramatta test the amphetamines discovered on the vessel to determine the nature of the substances.