Combined Task Force makes narcotics seizure on the 'Hash Highway'.Coalition forces, operating as part of the Bahrain-based Combined Task Force (CTF CTF Capture The Flag CTF Child Trust Fund (UK) CTF Canadian Tax Foundation CTF Canadian Taxpayers Federation (lobby group) CTF Canadian Television Fund CTF Canadian Teachers' Federation ) 150, have seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics with an estimated value of $70 million. A US Navy maritime patrol aircraft and a British warship located and tracked the vessel before the crew from the ship boarded it approximately 150 miles southeast of Oman. The drug seizure is the largest by coalition naval forces this year from a vessel operating along the so-called 'Hash Highway' and sailors destroyed large quantities of narcotics. The drugs could have helped to fund the insurgency fighting coalition forces in Afghanistan as well as to contribute to instability in the region. "The seizure of these drugs takes money out of the hands of those financing terrorists in the region," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "The smugglers need to know that coalition forces are patrolling the seas and skies above. "These efforts send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here and we won't tolerate drug trafficking in international waters." This year CTF 150 forces have seized more than 18 tons of narcotics. Last year, CTF 150 seized more than 53 tons of narcotics. CTF 150 is a multi-national task force that that conducts Maritime Security Operations Maritime Security Operations (MSO) is a term for the actions of modern naval forces to "combat sea–based terrorism and other illegal activities, such as hijacking, piracy, and slavery, also known as human trafficking. (MSO (1) (Multiple System Operator) Typically refers to a cable TV organization that owns more than one cable system, but it may refer to an operator of only one system. ) in and around the Arabian Sea, Strait of Hormuz Noun 1. Strait of Hormuz - a strategically important strait linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman Strait of Ormuz Arabian Sea - a northwestern arm of the Indian Ocean between India and Arabia , Gulf of Aden Noun 1. Gulf of Aden - arm of the Indian Ocean at the entrance to the Red Sea Indian Ocean - the 3rd largest ocean; bounded by Africa on the west, Asia on the north, Australia on the east and merging with the Antarctic Ocean to the south , Gulf of Oman Noun 1. Gulf of Oman - an arm of the Arabian Sea connecting it with the Persian Gulf Arabian Sea - a northwestern arm of the Indian Ocean between India and Arabia , Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The Task Force was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling and deter other destabilising activities to develop security in the maritime environment and create a lawful maritime order. Copyright 2008 www.tradearabia.com Copyright 2009 Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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