A UK Royal Navy frigate seized 870 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine worth $45 million from a fishing vessel in the Middle East last week. The ship – HMS Montrose – was operating in international waters in the Gulf of Oman as part of Combined Task Force (CTF 150).
“HMS Montrose again proves the value of having a forward-deployed presence in the region,” said Cmdr. Claire Thompson, the ship’s commanding officer. “This shows the professionalism of the boarding team and whole ship’s company.”
Led by the Royal Saudi Navy, CTF 150 is one of four task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea to help ensure the free flow of commerce.
Combined Maritime Forces is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. It includes 34 nations and is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.
GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 2, 2022) A boarding team from the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose (F236) interdict a fishing vessel in international waters in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 2. (UK Royal Navy photo)
2019 Photo Of HMS Montrose
021819-N-NI298-046 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 18 ,2019) Civilian Mariner Kevin Sauls, Ship’s Master aboard the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200), observes the Duke-class frigate HMS Montrose (F 236) during a replenishment-at-sea drill. Guadalupe is conducting operations, providing logistical support to U.S. Navy and allied forces operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)
