In a major drug haul, INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy operating under the Western Naval Command, intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean.
While on patrol, INS Tarkash received several intelligence alert from Indian Navy P8I aircraft, regarding suspicious vessels operating in the area. These vessels were believed to be involved in illegal activities, including drug trafficking.
Responding to the alert, INS Tarkash altered its course to intercept the vessels. After systematically interrogating all suspicious vessels, INS Tarkash intercepted and boarded a suspect Dhow, owing to the coordinated efforts with the P8I and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai, the defence ministry said.
Additionally, the ship launched its integral helicopter to monitor the activities of the suspicious vessel and identify other such vessels likely operating in the area.
A specialist boarding team, along with Marine Commandos, boarded the suspect vessel to conduct a search. During the raids, they found various sealed packets. Search and interrogation revealed over 2,500 kg of narcotic substances (including 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin) stored in different cargo holds and compartments onboard the vessel.
The officials questioned the crew of the Dhow regarding their mode of operations and the presence of other similar vessels in the area.
Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since Jan 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. According to the defence ministry, the operation underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to combating maritime crime and boosting regional security.
"The seizure of drugs 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 Indian Ocean Region," the ministry said in a statement.