This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50894670

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
HMS Defender: Royal Navy seizes £3.3m of crystal meth in Arabian Sea HMS Defender: Royal Navy seizes £3.3m of crystal meth in Arabian Sea
(about 2 hours later)
The Royal Navy says it has seized 11 "mailbag-sized" sacks of crystal meth in the Middle East, worth an estimated £3.3m.The Royal Navy says it has seized 11 "mailbag-sized" sacks of crystal meth in the Middle East, worth an estimated £3.3m.
HMS Defender spotted the "suspicious" ship while patrolling the Arabian Sea for smugglers and traffickers.HMS Defender spotted the "suspicious" ship while patrolling the Arabian Sea for smugglers and traffickers.
Sailors and Royal Marines boarded the ship, and found a total haul of 131kg.Sailors and Royal Marines boarded the ship, and found a total haul of 131kg.
HMS Defender's commanding officer said he was "proud" they had seized a "significant quantity" of drugs that could have potentially reached the UK.HMS Defender's commanding officer said he was "proud" they had seized a "significant quantity" of drugs that could have potentially reached the UK.
Cdr Richard Hewitt added: "This has been a real boost for the ship's company as they face Christmas away from their loved ones."Cdr Richard Hewitt added: "This has been a real boost for the ship's company as they face Christmas away from their loved ones."
The Navy said the drugs contained in the bags would have had an estimated street value of £3.3m in the UK.The Navy said the drugs contained in the bags would have had an estimated street value of £3.3m in the UK.
The Portsmouth-based warship HMS Defender carried out the day-long search of the boat - a dhow - after being alerted by the destroyer's helicopter.The Portsmouth-based warship HMS Defender carried out the day-long search of the boat - a dhow - after being alerted by the destroyer's helicopter.
The Navy said the Wildcat helicopter discovered a solo ship without a flying flag and could not find evidence it was carrying out fishing.The Navy said the Wildcat helicopter discovered a solo ship without a flying flag and could not find evidence it was carrying out fishing.
That prompted the destroyer to investigate, sending Royal Marines to secure the ship and its crew.That prompted the destroyer to investigate, sending Royal Marines to secure the ship and its crew.
HMS Defender is one of more than a dozen British warships, submarines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support vessels on duty over the Christmas period.HMS Defender is one of more than a dozen British warships, submarines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support vessels on duty over the Christmas period.
HMS Defender has been deployed to the Middle East since August, safeguarding merchant shipping entering and leaving the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.HMS Defender has been deployed to the Middle East since August, safeguarding merchant shipping entering and leaving the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence said UK troops are involved in 35 operations in more than 30 countries across the world over the Christmas period.
There are around 11,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and airwomen serving overseas.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Over the festive period we should all take a moment to be grateful for the selflessness of our armed forces personnel and their families at this time of year.
"This Christmas, like any other day, our servicemen and women will be displaying their unique professionalism around the world and at home."