Snipers disable drugs boat in Gulf of Oman
Royal Marine snipers aboard a Wildcat helicopter have stopped a speeding drugs boat in the Gulf of Oman, dealing a £35 million blow to the illegal narcotics trade.
The elite marksmen from 42 Commando struck the vessel’s engine with a single precision shot as it attempted to flee HMS Lancaster during one of the Royal Navy’s most dramatic Middle East operations to date.
‘Excellence at work’
More than one and a half tonnes of heroin, crystal meth and hashish were seized after the interception, part of a growing campaign against smuggling in the region.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns praised the operation, saying: “Outstanding work by the crew of HMS Lancaster who stopped and seized £35m worth of dangerous and illicit drugs at sea. That’s excellence at work.”
He added that the operation had “disrupted a major criminal enterprise” and shown the “exceptionally high standard” of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
High-tech pursuit
The action began when HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter spotted three high-speed skiffs at dawn. A mini Peregrine drone was launched to track them secretly, relaying live footage back to the warship.
After refuelling, the Wildcat returned carrying the Marine sniper team. When the smugglers accelerated to over 40 knots and began dumping their cargo, the commandos disabled one boat with a pinpoint shot to its engine.
Commander Sam Stephens, HMS Lancaster’s commanding officer, said he was “hugely proud” of his crew’s professionalism and teamwork.
“This was a highly successful bust, removing large quantities of narcotics from the streets and preventing their profits from fuelling extremism,” he said.
Expanding role in region
The seizure marks HMS Lancaster’s second major success this year, following a £30 million bust in May. The ship is deployed long-term in the Middle East as part of Britain’s mission to maintain maritime security and stability.
The UK government said such operations are vital to its “Safer Streets Mission” and reaffirmed its pledge to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with an aim to reach 3% in the next parliament.
(Image: MOD)
