Second Drug Haul for HMAS Melbourne in Two Days
On 7 February 2014, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Melbourne conducted a second drug bust during a boarding operation on a vessel suspected of transporting illicit cargo off the coast of Tanzania. During the operation the frigate’s crew seized 190 kilograms of heroin of around $AU380 million dollars of estimated street value.
Just two days before, on 5 February 2014, crew from HMAS Melbourne had intercepted a shipment of 353 kilograms of heroin during a similar boarding in the area.
In just two days, HMAS Melbourne has confiscated and destroyed over half a tonne of heroin worth a skyrocketing $AU1.086 billion.
Commander Brian Schlegel, RAN Commanding Officer HMAS Melbourne, said:
“During this deployment Melbourne has intercepted a Pirate Action Group, seized and destroyed 23.8 kilograms of methamphetamines and over half a tonne of heroin. This is a good day for HMAS Melbourne but not too good for the drug smugglers.”
The Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate HMAS Melbourne is patrolling the waters of the Middle east Area of Operation within the framework of Operation SLIPPER.
| ADELAIDE-CLASS GUIDED MISSILE FRIGATE- SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length | 138 m |
| Beam | 14.3m |
| Draught | 7.5m |
| Displacement | 4,200 tons |
| Speed | over 30 knots |
| Complement | 184 + aircrew |
| Range | 4,500 nautical miles |
| Status | Active |
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Naval Today Staff, February 10, 2014; Image: Royal Australian Navy
