In a major counter-narcotics operation, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tarkash, has successfully intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. The operation highlights the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crime and ensuring regional security, the Indian Navy said.
According to the Navy, since January, INS Tarkash has been deployed under the Western Naval Command for Maritime Security Operations. The Ship is actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a Bahrain-based multinational coalition under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The ship has also been participating in Operation Anzac Tiger, a joint multinational initiative aimed at curbing illicit maritime activities.
On March 31, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received intelligence inputs from an Indian Navy P-8I reconnaissance aircraft regarding suspicious vessels operating in the area. The vessels were suspected of engaging in illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking. Acting on this intelligence, INS Tarkash altered its course to intercept the targets. Systematically interrogating multiple vessels in the vicinity, the ship zeroed in on a suspect dhow, coordinating closely with the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai and deploying its integral helicopter for surveillance.
A specialist boarding team, accompanied by Marine Commandos, boarded the dhow and conducted a thorough search. Their efforts led to discovering various sealed packets hidden across multiple cargo holds and compartments. Upon detailed examination, the team uncovered 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin. The crew of the dhow was taken under control and subjected to questioning to determine their modus operandi and potential links to other smuggling operations.
#IndianNavy's Mission Deployed warship #INSTarkash successfully interdicted and seized over 2,500 kgs of narcotics in the the Western Indian Ocean.
Part of @IN_WesternFleet, INS Tarkash is deployed for Maritime Security Operations in the Western Indian Ocean and is undertaking… pic.twitter.com/Wg1MlkgiO3
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 2, 2025
The successful seizure reaffirms the Indian Navy’s effectiveness and professionalism in disrupting illicit maritime activities. The Navy’s active participation in multinational security efforts underscores its commitment to ensuring stability, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Navy added.
Team BharatShakti
