Royal Marines’ Bullseye Shot Stops £35m Illegal Drugs Shipment in the Middle East

In a bold and precise operation, Royal Marine snipers from HMS Lancaster stopped a high-speed drug boat in the Gulf of Oman with a single shot, helping seize over £35 million worth of illegal drugs.

The dramatic incident began when HMS Lancaster, a Royal Navy frigate based in Plymouth, launched a Wildcat helicopter for a routine patrol. The helicopter’s crew spotted three small boats, or skiffs, racing through the water at over 40 knots. The boats’ crews were seen throwing packages overboard, trying to escape capture.

Using advanced surveillance equipment, the ship’s team tracked the boats in real-time. One skiff tried to flee, but was disabled with a single, non-lethal shot by a Royal Marine sniper from the helicopter. The shot hit the engine directly, bringing the boat to an immediate stop.

Once stopped, the Navy recovered over 1.5 tonnes of illegal drugs, including heroin, crystal meth, and hashish. This is the first time the Royal Navy has used sniper fire in the Middle East to stop fast-moving drug boats – a tactic previously used more often in the Caribbean.

Two other skiffs were abandoned during the operation. One was found partially submerged with more discarded drugs nearby.

The Royal Marines involved were from 42 Commando, based in Bickleigh, Plymouth. The mission showed the high level of coordination between HMS Lancaster’s crew, its manned and unmanned aircraft, and its special forces teams.

What Officials Are Saying

Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, praised the operation, calling it “outstanding work” and highlighting the “surgical shot” that disabled the fleeing boat. He also noted that this mission prevented dangerous drugs from reaching UK streets and funding criminal or extremist groups.

Commander Sam Stephens, captain of HMS Lancaster, said he was “hugely proud” of his team’s patience and skill, calling it a “highly successful bust.”

Lieutenant Guy Warry, the Wildcat helicopter pilot, described the moment as a career highlight, saying flying backwards to provide a steady shot for the sniper was a first in the region.

Royal Navy’s Wider Mission

HMS Lancaster has been stationed in the Middle East since 2022 as part of a long-term UK mission to ensure maritime security. This operation marks its first major drug bust since May, when it intercepted another shipment worth £30 million.

The success of this mission shows how the UK armed forces continue to play a crucial role in keeping streets safer, disrupting criminal networks, and protecting national and global security.