{"id":10305,"date":"2025-10-13T12:55:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T11:55:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10305"},"modified":"2025-10-13T12:56:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T11:56:01","slug":"royal-marines-bullseye-shot-stops-35m-illegal-drugs-shipment-in-the-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10305","title":{"rendered":"ROYAL MARINES\u2019 BULLSEYE SHOT STOPS \u00a335M ILLEGAL DRUGS SHIPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Royal Navy sailors and marines interdict vessels carrying \u00a335 million worth of illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HMS Lancaster used crewed and uncrewed air assets to detect, monitor and intercept several high-speed drugs boats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vital work disrupts flow of illegal drugs around the world, helping to keep narcotics off UK streets as part of the Plan for Change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Royal Marine snipers disabled a drugs boat speeding across the Gulf of Oman as frigate HMS Lancaster dealt a \u00a335m blow to the illegal narcotics trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commando snipers brought the \u2018skiff \u2018\u2013 zipping over the waves at speeds in excess of 40 knots while its crew tried to ditch their illegal cargo \u2013 to an immediate halt with a bullseye shot to knock out the boat\u2019s engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The snipers took aim from a Wildcat helicopter launched from the warship to intercept three suspect craft in one of the most dramatic counter-drugs intercepts the Royal Navy has been involved with in the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10306\" style=\"width:347px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/The-Royal-Marines-sniper-team-walk-across-the-flight-deck-after-their-success-2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pictured: HMS Lancaster&#8217;s wildcat helicopter and Royal Marines Boarding Team prepare to conduct a drugs seizure in the Gulf of Aden as part of operations in the Middle East in support of Combined Maritime Forces Task Force 150, and UK Maritime Component Command as part of Operation KIPION<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>More than 1\u00bd tonnes of drugs were recovered in all \u2013 heroin, crystal methamphetamine and hashish with an estimated UK street value in excess of \u00a335M.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping the country safe is the Government\u2019s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy at home and abroad is critical to the security and stability of the UK and directly contributes to the government\u2019s Safer Streets Mission. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to our armed forces and has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027, with the aspiration to further increase it to 3% during the next parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOutstanding work by the crew of the HMS Lancaster who stopped and seized \u00a335M worth of dangerous and illicit drugs at sea. Moreover, a well-planned operation culminating in a surgical shot by a Royal Marines sniper disabling the engine of a vessel traveling at 40 knots. That\u2019s excellence at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNot only have our Royal Navy and Royal Marines disrupted a major criminal enterprise and kept drugs off our streets and away from our kids, but have once again demonstrated effectiveness, decisive action and the exceptionally high standard of our Royal Navy and Marines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI salute our Royal Navy and Royal Marines for their indefatigable work keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the first time snipers have been called upon to use non-lethal force to disable a suspicious boat in the Gulf region \u2013 where typically slow-moving dhows are used to hide the illicit cargoes \u2013 unlike the Caribbean, where the tactic has proved effective on several occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The operation began when HMS Lancaster launched her Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron on a dawn patrol over the Gulf of Oman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her crew soon picked up three suspicious skiffs travelling at speed \u2013 and secretly shadowed them while relaying critical information back to the warship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That allowed Lancaster to launch her Peregrine mini-helicopter drone to continue monitoring the skiffs \u2013 again undetected \u2013 providing a live video feed to the ship\u2019s operations room.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, the Wildcat returned to refuel and embark a Maritime Sniper Team from 42 Commando \u2013 the Royal Marines\u2019 specialists in boarding operations \u2013 to close in for the interception.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10307\" style=\"width:385px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/One-of-the-drug-laden-skiffs-races-across-the-Gulf-of-Oman-observed-by-a-Peregrine-drone.jpg 1582w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pictured: HMS Lancaster&#8217;s ships Helicopter (Wildcat HMA Mk2) aircraft surveillance imagery of skiffs transiting through the Gulf of Aden, during HMS Lancaster narcotics seizure as part of operations in the Middle East in support of Combined Maritime Forces Task Force 150, and UK Maritime Component Command as part of Operation KIPION<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When the helicopter appeared over the skiffs, their crews immediately increased speed to more than 40 knots and began hurling their cargo into the water to reduce weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, it led to two of the skiffs being abandoned \u2013 but not the third which persisted in trying to get away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, the marines targeted the outboard engine, neutralising it with a single round, while crew of the warship\u2019s sea boat recovered the discarded packages and located a partially-submerged abandoned skiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The operation highlights HMS Lancaster\u2019s capability to deter illicit activities and disrupt the narcotics trade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Commander Sam Stephens, Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m hugely proud of the team\u2019s professionalism, patience, and skill throughout what was a protracted chase,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis operation saw Lancaster\u2019s crewed and uncrewed aircraft working hand-in-glove under the direction of the ship\u2019s operations room. The outcome was a highly-successful bust, removing large quantities of narcotics from the streets and preventing their profits from fuelling extremism.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wildcat pilot Lieutenant Guy Warry added:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNon-lethal disabling fire has not been seen in the region and was essential in preventing the drug runners from moving their product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBeing the Wildcat pilot carrying out a live weapons firing on drug-running skiffs whilst flying backwards to provide a stable platform for the snipers was definitely a career highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis interdiction is a true testament to the high levels of training that both the flight, MST and ship have achieved prior to the bust.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HMS Lancaster is a Type 23 frigate deployed to the Middle East region on a long-term mission as part of wider efforts by the UK to provide regional maritime security and stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the first bust Lancaster has scored since she intercepted a \u00a330m shipment of illegal narcotics in late May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> Royal Navy sailors and marines interdict vessels carrying \u00a335 million worth of illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman HMS Lancaster used crewed and uncrewed air assets to detect, monitor and intercept several high-speed drugs boats Vital work disrupts flow of illegal drugs around the world, helping to keep narcotics off UK streets as <\/p>\n<p>Continue reading <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10305\">ROYAL MARINES\u2019 BULLSEYE SHOT STOPS \u00a335M ILLEGAL DRUGS SHIPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[4686,4685,4684,2693,3378,25,417,26,264,4681,1756,4683,310,416,422,903,4682,4680],"class_list":["post-10305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mod-security-services","tag-42-commando","tag-815-naval-air-squadron","tag-commandos","tag-defence","tag-drugs","tag-government-public-sector-journal","tag-government-journal","tag-gpsj","tag-gpsj-magazine","tag-hms-lancaster","tag-military","tag-oman","tag-public-sector","tag-public-sector-journal","tag-public-sector-magazine","tag-raf","tag-royal-marines","tag-wildcat-helicopter","odd"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ROYAL MARINES\u2019 BULLSEYE SHOT STOPS \u00a335M ILLEGAL DRUGS SHIPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST - Government &amp; Public Sector Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10305\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ROYAL MARINES\u2019 BULLSEYE SHOT STOPS \u00a335M ILLEGAL DRUGS SHIPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST - Government &amp; Public Sector Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Royal Navy sailors and marines interdict vessels carrying \u00a335 million worth of illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman HMS Lancaster used crewed and uncrewed air assets to detect, monitor and intercept several high-speed drugs boats Vital work disrupts flow of illegal drugs around the world, helping to keep narcotics off UK streets as Continue reading ROYAL MARINES\u2019 BULLSEYE SHOT STOPS \u00a335M ILLEGAL DRUGS SHIPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10305\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Government &amp; 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