Record Hash Seizure for Combined Task Force 150
FRESH FROM setting the record for the largest maritime heroin seizure, HMAS Darwin, operating in support of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) has set another record in the fight against drug smuggling and the funding of terrorism.
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Over six tons of hashish seized during a recent boarding is displayed
on the flight deck of HMAS Darwin, prior to the destruction of the drugs.
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The drugs, 6,248 kilograms of cannabis resin (also known as hashish or hash), are the largest maritime seizure of hash in the Indian Ocean to date. On 28 June 2014 the drugs were discovered aboard a dhow in international waters. In an operation lasting over 12 hours, boarding teams from HMAS Darwin conducted an intensive search finding the drugs hidden within the hull of the vessel.
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HMAS Darwin’s boarding party team embarked on RHIBs,
approach a suspicious dhow to conduct a flag verification boarding
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Commander Terry Morrison, Commanding Officer, HMAS Darwin, said of this achievement: “HMAS Darwin remains focused on the war against funding for terrorist organisations and I am proud of the continued dedication and professionalism of the crew onboard HMAS Darwin and the role they play as part of the Combined Maritime Forces.”
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Crew of HMAS Darwin ferry across seized hashish from the suspect
vessel to the frigate following a boarding in the Indian Ocean.
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Commodore Jeremy Blunden Royal Navy, Commander of CTF-150, noted the continued success of HMAS Darwin while supporting CMF. He said: “Yet again HMAS Darwin has delivered an outstanding result. My congratulations to Commander Morrison and his very fine ship’s company who have set new standards for professionalism and teamwork in counter narcotics activity in the Indian Ocean.”
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Concealed hashish found on dhow
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Seized hashish prior to destruction
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Darwin’s latest seizure is the eighth during the ship’s current deployment to the Middle East. On 23 April the ship set a new record for the most heroin seized at sea when 1,032 kilograms was discovered on a dhow off the coast of East Africa. So far in this deployment the ship has seized and destroyed 1,675 kg of heroin and 10,647 kg of hash.
Hashish was contained in 306 hessian bags each containing approximately 20 one kilogram coffee bags, a sample of which can be seen pictured (above).
Commodore Keith Blount OBE Royal Navy, Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces, said: “I am particularly delighted with this latest seizure. Yet again, this was a coordinated piece of activity which shows what CMF can achieve. Both CTF-150 and HMAS Darwin should be rightly proud of their efforts.”
Source: Combined Maritime Forces
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