Indian Navy seizes 2,500 kg narcotics in Western Indian Ocean

Mumbai: In one of the big operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, has successfully intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics.

This is one of the biggest seizures in recent times.

INS Tarkash is part of the Mumbai-headquartered Western Naval Command (WNC) the sword arm of the Indian Navy.

The seizure was done in the Western Indian Ocean on March 31, WNC officials said on Tuesday.

Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025 for maritime security operations, INS Tarkash is actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and is based in Bahrain.

The ship is participating in the multi-national forces joint focus operation, Anzac Tiger.

While on patrol, INS Tarkash received multiple inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft regarding suspicious vessels operating in the area.

These vessels were believed to be involved in illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking. In response, the ship altered its course to intercept the suspicious vessels.

After systematically interrogating all suspicious vessels in the vicinity, INS Tarkash intercepted and boarded a suspect dhow, owing to the coordinated efforts with the P8I and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai.

Additionally, the ship launched its integral helicopter to monitor the activities of the suspicious vessel and identify other vessels likely operating in the area.

A specialist boarding team, along with marine commandos, boarded the suspect vessel and conducted a thorough search, leading to the discovery of various sealed packets.

Further search and interrogation revealed over 2,500 kg of narcotic substances (including 2386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin) stored in different cargo holds and compartments onboard the vessel. The suspicious dhow was subsequently brought under the control of INS Tarkash, and the crew underwent comprehensive questioning regarding their modus operandi and the presence of other similar vessels in the area.

"This seizure underscores the effectiveness and professionalism of the Indian Navy in deterring and disrupting illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking at sea. The Indian Navy’s participation in multinational exercises aims to promote security, stability, and prosperity across international waters in the IOR," WNC officials said.