India

Indian Navy intercepts Sri Lankan-flagged vessels in Arabian sea, seizes 500 kg narcotics

In a swift and coordinated operation, the Indian Navy successfully intercepted two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing boats suspected of narcotics smuggling in the Arabian Sea.

According to an official release, the operation, which was conducted on November 24 and 25, resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 kg of crystal meth.

The drugs were handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal action, underscoring the strong maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka in tackling regional security challenges.

Based on inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy and aerial surveillance conducted by Indian Naval Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), the Indian Navy localised and identified two vessels involved in the illegal activity.

The surveillance efforts were supported by data from the Information Fusion Centre (Indian Ocean Region) in Gurugram, India.

In a meticulously coordinated operation, the Indian Navy deployed a warship, which, in collaboration with aerial assets, successfully boarded the two vessels on November 24 and 25, 2024.

The operation led to the seizure of approximately 500 kg of crystal meth.

To strengthen the operation, an additional Indian Navy ship was deployed to bolster the force level, ensuring comprehensive surveillance and operational success.

The seized narcotics, along with the boats and their crew members, are being handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal proceedings.

As per the release, the operation reaffirms the close partnership and bonds developed between the two countries.

It also symbolises the combined resolve of both navies to address regional maritime challenges and ensure safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Earlier, the fourth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise Sea Vigil 2024 successfully concluded on November 21. The exercise was conducted in two phases, with Phase I extending from November 13 to 19 and Phase II conducted over a 36-hour period across all coastal states and union territories of India.

The exercise demonstrated India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its maritime security and coastal defence mechanisms, spanning the entirety of India’s 11,098 km coastline and its Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometres, according to an official release.

Sea Vigil 24 witnessed the participation of over 21 agencies across six ministries. These included the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, State Marine Police, Customs, BSF, CISF, Port Authorities, and Fisheries Department, among others.

The two days of Phase II of the exercise witnessed extensive deployment of more than 550 surface assets from various maritime security agencies and 60 air sorties with a flying time of about 200 hours along the entire coastline of the country.

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

Musk’s Starlink will be given 3rd satcom services licence after Airtel and Jio: Scindia

Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said Elon Musk's Starlink will be the third…

32 minutes ago

Gilgit-Baltistan turmoil deepens amid Land Law backlash

Gilgit-Baltistan is witnessing a deepening political and human rights crisis that observers warn may mirror…

41 minutes ago

Trump suspends entry of new international students enrolled at Harvard, cites national security risks

By Reena Bhardwaj In a significant move invoking national security concerns, US President Donald J.…

6 hours ago

India showcases world’s largest DRR financing system at UN disaster platform in Geneva

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)…

7 hours ago

India elected to UN’s Economic and Social Council for term 2026-28

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday announced that India has been elected to the…

7 hours ago

Trump signs order to ban travel to US from 12 nations, partially restricts entry of nationals from 7 nations

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to ban entry of individuals from 12…

7 hours ago