2500 KG NARCOTICS SEIZED BY INDIAN NAVY’S INS TARKASH IN A HIGH-IMPACT OPERATION
In a significant crackdown on maritime drug trafficking, the Indian Navy’s frontline warship, INS Tarkash, has successfully intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. The operation highlights India’s commitment to curbing illicit activities at sea and ensuring regional security.
INS Tarkash, deployed under the Western Naval Command for Maritime Security Operations since January 2025, is actively supporting the Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a multinational naval coalition operating under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquartered in Bahrain. The warship is part of the joint maritime mission “Anzac Tiger.”
On March 31, 2025, the Indian Navy’s P8I maritime surveillance aircraft detected suspicious vessels in the Western Indian Ocean, suspected of engaging in drug trafficking. Acting on these intelligence inputs, INS Tarkash promptly altered course and conducted a series of interrogations of the suspicious vessels in the vicinity.
A specialist boarding team, accompanied by elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS), boarded a suspect dhow and conducted a meticulous search operation. The team uncovered various sealed packets hidden in cargo compartments, containing 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin. The dhow was taken under control, and its crew was subjected to detailed questioning regarding their operations and other possible smuggling networks.
This seizure reinforces the Indian Navy’s role in safeguarding international waters from criminal activities, including narcotics trafficking. By participating in multinational exercises and maritime security initiatives, India continues to play a crucial role in promoting stability, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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