Indian Navy boosts regional security as INS Tarkash seizes over 2500 kg narcotics

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash successfully intercepted and seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday.

In its statement, the Indian Navy highlighted that the seizure and intercepting of the narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean was done by INS Tarkash, which is a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy operating under the Western Naval Command. This operation underscores the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating maritime crime and bolstering regional security.

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, the Indian Navy said.

Sharing the operation details, the Indian Navy said that on March 31, 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.

As per the statement by the Indian Navy, 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 kgs of narcotic substances which included 2386 kgs of hashish and 121 kgs of heroin were 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.

Notably, 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 Indian Ocean Region.