The crew of an Australian warship has seized and destroyed more than 240 kilograms of heroin and amphetamines found aboard a ship that was intercepted in the North Arabian Sea.
Defence said these drugs had a street value of $US5 million ($A4.67 million).
Anzac frigate HMAS Parramatta was operating as part of the Combined Task Force 150 which directed the interception of the suspect vessel on Friday.
The search, conducted by a boarding party from Parramatta, revealed more than 240 kilograms of amphetamine and heroin concealed in bags of flour and rice. These were subsequently destroyed.
Commander of CTF 150, Australian navy Commodore Jonathan Mead, said this operation represented the culmination of many months of hard work, planning and international cooperation.
HMAS Parramatta commanding officer Commander Guy Blackburn said this was a significant event.
"This was a great day for HMAS Parramatta, the Combined Maritime Forces and the Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations," he said in a statement.
HMAS Parramatta's job in CTF 150 is to enforce maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations through the multi-national Combined Maritime Task Force.
The ship is conducting the 27th rotation by a Royal Australian Navy ship to this region since 2001.
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