Sailors return from drug seizure missions

Family and friends have welcomed Australian sailors aboard HMAS Melbourne back to Sydney after a long stint disrupting drug syndicates.

Australian sailors aboard HMAS Melbourne have returned home from a long stint disrupting drug smuggling in the Middle East.

Defence Minister Marise Payne joined the family and friends of the 223 Navy personnel to welcome the frigate's return to Sydney on Sunday.

The sailors were at sea for 203 days and seized almost a tonne of heroin valued at $390 million, money which would have otherwise fallen into the hands of terrorist groups.