The Royal Navy said the ship had been at the forefront of its mine detection capability in the region, where it has been working closely with multi-national forces.

BBC: Minehunter HMS Pembroke returns to Clyde naval base

Like many suspected al-Qaeda operatives, he was able to exploit the region's lax law enforcement and porous borders to move around and avoid detection.

BBC: Profile: Fazul Abdullah Mohammed

Detection is difficult for Asian governments because the trade is not organized and the drug is not manufactured in the region.

CNN: IN THE GRIP OF ECSTASY

The region's last chief constable, Pat Shearer, has highlighted the low crime levels and high detection rates, as well as the "dedication and devotion of the policing team".

BBC: The biggest cases of Scotland's smallest police force