Indian Navy Strikes Big: 2,500 kg of Drugs Nabbed in Western Indian Ocean
INS Tarkash’s coordinated mission with P8I aircraft halts narcotics trafficking in a major maritime bust
NEW DELHI: A frontline Indian Navy warship has made a significant dent in narcotics trafficking, seizing over 2,500 kilograms of drugs in the Western Indian Ocean, the Navy announced on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The operation, led by INS Tarkash under the Western Naval Command, unfolded on March 31, 2025. While patrolling the region, the frigate acted on intelligence from P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, which flagged suspicious vessels potentially tied to illegal activities like drug smuggling.
Redirecting its course, INS Tarkash zeroed in on the targets. “Through coordinated efforts with the P8I and Mumbai’s Maritime Operations Centre, the ship interrogated multiple vessels before boarding a suspect dhow,” the Navy reported. A specialist team, including Marine Commandos, conducted an exhaustive search, uncovering sealed packets stashed across the vessel’s cargo holds. The haul totaled 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin.
The dhow was brought under INS Tarkash’s control, and its crew faced detailed questioning about their methods and possible accomplices in the area. The ship also deployed its onboard helicopter to surveil the vessel and scout for other suspicious activity nearby.
This bust highlights the Indian Navy’s skill in tackling maritime crime. Since January 2025, INS Tarkash has been deployed in the Western Indian Ocean for Maritime Security Operations, collaborating with Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 under the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The ship is part of the multinational Anzac Tiger operation, aimed at securing international waters.
CTF 150, one of five CMF task forces, focuses on safeguarding commercial shipping from non-state threats across 3.2 million square miles of vital sea lanes. The 46-nation CMF partnership, which includes India, works to uphold the International Rules-Based Order by curbing illicit actors and fostering stability.
The Navy’s latest success reinforces its commitment to regional security and its pivotal role in disrupting narcotics networks at sea.