In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate INS Tarkash has seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Wednesday. The successful interception highlights the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and combating transnational crime.
Deployed in the region since January as part of Maritime Security Operations, INS Tarkash has been supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a Bahrain-based multinational security coalition under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The ship is also actively participating in the joint focus operation, Anzac Tiger.
On Tuesday, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received intelligence inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft regarding suspicious vessels in the area suspected of illicit activities. Acting on the intelligence, the warship altered its course to intercept the targets. A coordinated effort with the P8I aircraft and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai led to the identification of a suspect dhow. The warship’s integral helicopter was also deployed to monitor the vessel’s movements.
A specialist boarding team, including Marine Commandos (MARCOS), conducted a thorough search of the dhow, uncovering sealed packets of narcotics hidden in various compartments. A total of 2,507 kg of contraband was seized, comprising 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin. The dhow was taken under control, and its crew was questioned regarding its operations and links to other smuggling networks.
