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

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031216-N-4374S-036 Arabian Gulf (Dec. 16, 2003) – A U.S. Navy boarding team operation 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. 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. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)

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USS Decatur Captures Possible Al-Qaida Associated Drug-Smuggling Dhow in Arabian Gulf
Story Number: NNS031219-09
Release Date: 12/19/2003 12:06:00 PM

From Commander, Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy boarding team operating from the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) discovered an estimated two tons of narcotics with an estimated street value of $8-10 million aboard a 40-foot dhow intercepted in the Arabian Gulf Dec. 15, at approximately 11 a.m.

The dhow’s 12 crewmembers were taken into custody and transferred to 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, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) 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 and investigation by legal authorities. The boarding was coordinated by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 18, embarked aboard Enterprise, operating in the Arabian Gulf. Decatur, a part of Expeditionary Strike Group 1, is homeported in San Diego.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.

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