Dhow reported to be smuggling two tons of narcotics

A U.S. Navy destroyer has intercepted a dhow with suspected links to al-Qaida in the Arabian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz with two tons of narcotics aboard, according to a news release from the U.S. Central Command December 19.

"The smuggling routes are known to be used by Al-Qaida and three of the 12 crew members are believed to have links to the organization," the news release said.

Following is the text of the news release:

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NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

December 19, 2003

USS Decatur Captures Possible Al-Qaida Associated Drug-Smuggling dhow in Arabian Gulf

Aboard USS Enterprise - A U.S. Navy boarding team operating from the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) discovered an estimated two tons of narcotics with a street value of around eight to ten million dollars aboard a 40-foot dhow intercepted in the Arabian Gulf on Dec. 15, at approximately 11:00 a.m. The dhow's 12 crewmembers were taken into custody and transferred to USS Decatur, and Decatur sailors are in control of the dhow. The smuggling routes are known to be used by Al-Qaida and three(*) of the 12 crew members are believed to have links to the organization.

Decatur was operating near the Strait of Hormuz, conducting Expanded Maritime Interception Operations designed to deny use of the seas by terrorists and smugglers.

Once aboard the dhow, Decatur's boarding team determined that the dhow's crew lacked proper documentation of its nationality or cargo. Decatur's team then discovered 54 70-pound bags of hashish. An initial investigation uncovered clear ties between the smuggling operation and al-Qaida.

"This capture is indicative of the need for continuing maritime patrol of the Gulf in order to stop the movement of terrorists, drugs and weapons," said Rear Adm. Jim Stavridis, Commander, Enterprise Aircraft Carrier Strike Group. "This is a vital part of winning the global war on terror."

Future disposition of the dhow and its crew will be determined following coordination with investigation by legal authorities. The boarding was coordinated by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 18, embarked in the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, operating in the Arabian Gulf. USS Decatur, a part of Expeditionary Strike Group One, is home ported in San Diego.

For further questions, please contact NAVCENT /FIFTH Fleet Public Affairs Office at 011-973-724-027 or pao@cusnc.navy.mil.

(*) Correction: number inadvertently reported as four, correct number is three

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)