A Royal Navy ship from Plymouth has stopped three small boats in the Gulf of Oman carrying illegal drugs worth £35 million.
Snipers from Bickleigh barracks helped stop the boats using non-lethal weapons. It was the first time they had used this method in the area.
When the Navy approached, the people on the small boats tried to throw the drugs into the sea and escape. Two boats were abandoned, and the third was stopped after its engine was disabled.
Navy teams found over 1.5 tonnes (1,500 kg) of drugs, including heroin, crystal meth, and hashish.
The operation used a Wildcat helicopter and a sniper team from 42 Commando, both based in Bickleigh, Plymouth. HMS Lancaster, which carried out the mission, is based in Plymouth but has been working from Bahrain since late 2022.
Commander Sam Stephens said he was very proud of his crew. He explained that the ship’s team and aircraft worked closely together to make the mission a success, removing a large amount of drugs and stopping the profits from funding extremism.
Wildcat pilot Lt Guy Warry said using non-lethal fire was key to stopping the drug smugglers. He described the operation as a career highlight, especially while flying the helicopter backward to give the snipers a stable shot.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns praised the team, calling their achievement “remarkable” and proof of their skill and training.
Published: 13th October 2025
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