Navy ships seize $700m in terror drugs

Drug shipments used to fund terrorist networks are being intercepted by the Australian and New Zealand navies.

Source: Navy

Australian and New Zealand navy ships have seized more than $700 million in narcotics in the Middle East in a bid to cut off funding to terrorists.

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Newcastle netted 724kg of narcotics worth an estimated $597 million.

During the same operation, New Zealand ship HMNZS Te Kaha seized 257kg of narcotics worth an estimated $214 million.

The ships have been patrolling as part of a combined task force aimed to seizing funding sources for terrorist networks.

Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones, said the operation was "striking at the heart" of the networks.

The combined counter-terrorism and counter-narcotic maritime operation was conducted from April 29 to June 15.