One shot: Royal Marines stop Gulf region drug boat

The UK’s Royal Navy and Royal Marines deployed a number of capabilities in a coordinated operation to intercept fast-moving skiffs carrying £35 million worth of narcotics, according to an October 12 article published by the Navy. The non-lethal interception was a first for the region, according to the Navy and is worth a closer look. 

Three skiffs were detected moving at speed close to the Gulf of Oman by one of HMS Lancaster’s Wildcats helicopters. The typical approach in the region has been slow-moving dhows, which are a type of sail-powered trading ship that has been used for over 2,000 years. The Royal Marines could intercept these slow moving craft with their own interdiction craft. However, the three skiffs were travelling at speeds in excess of 40 knots, requiring a different approach. 

According to the Navy’s article, the skiffs were shadowed by the Wildcat, supposedly without the drug runners knowing. This was likely achieved with the Wescam MX-15 sensor suite on the nose of the helicopter, which provides high definition reconnaissance and observation at long ranges using both thermal and electro-optical imaging. 

When it was time to stop the boats, HMS Lancaster deployed the Peregrine UAS, which was recently approved for frontline use. The UAS is intended to alleviate the burden on the Wildcat, providing persistent reconnaissance at a lower cost and for longer. With the Peregrine monitoring the skiffs, the Wildcat returned to Lancaster to refuel and collect Royal Marines from 42 Commando armed with the Accuracy International AX50. The AX50 is a .50 BMG sniper rifle that is used for the task of shooting the engines of drug smuggling boats. 

It was originally acquired to support interceptions in the Caribbean, where smugglers have relied on speed to evade interception. The 12.5 kg bolt action rifle is 1.37 metres long with a 68.5 cm barrel and folding stock. It has an effective range of 2,500 m and muzzle velocity of 900 m/s. The version shown in use with the Royal Marines had a large suppressor fitted, as well as a red dot sight. 

As the Wildcat came close to the skiffs with its marines onboard, the crews started offloading their cargo and eventually abandoned two of the boats. The third was disabled with a single shot to the engine. 

One of the drug smuggling skiffs under observation from the Peregrine UAS before the Royal Marines shot its engine. Credit: Royal Navy. 

“Being the Wildcat pilot carrying out a live weapons firing on drug-running skiffs whilst flying backwards to provide a stable platform for the snipers was definitely a career highlight. Non-lethal disabling fire has not been seen in the region and was essential in preventing the drug runners from moving their product,” Wildcat pilot Lieutenant Guy Warry added. 

The crew of the Lancaster recovered over 1,500 kg of drugs including heroin, crystal methamphetamine and hashish, the Royal Navy said. The sale of which could have fuelled and funded extremist actors. The Lancaster conducted another £30 million bust in May this year, the Navy added. 

Calibre comment: Limited resources

This type of interception reflects the varied and important role of the Royal Navy. Its ships have also been involved in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea, supporting commercial traffic in the region. However, it is worth noting that the Royal Navy is stretched thin to deliver this type of global presence. Its crews are often deployed for very long tours with little to no break and readiness of core platforms means that only one or two tend to be available at any one time. Deployments to the Gulf region help to show the UK’s commitment to stability in the region, to support counter-insurgency efforts, and protect maritime trade routes. But it does come at a cost and strain that is difficult to maintain over many decades. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on October 13, 2025. The lead image shows marines from 42 Commando’s Maritime Sniper Team returning from the interdiction. Credit: Royal Navy.