New Delhi: In a decisive anti-narcotics operation, Indian Navy warship INS Tarkash has successfully intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. The seizure, which included 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin, highlights the Indian Navy’s relentless efforts to combat maritime crime and enhance regional security.
INS Tarkash has been deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025 as part of Maritime Security Operations, actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a multinational initiative under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain. The warship is currently participating in the joint focus operation, Anzac Tiger, aimed at curbing illicit maritime activities.
On March 31, 2025, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received intelligence inputs from an Indian Navy P8I aircraft, identifying suspicious vessels potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. Acting swiftly, the warship altered course to intercept, systematically interrogating all suspicious vessels in the vicinity. Utilizing coordinated efforts with the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai, the ship intercepted and boarded a suspect Dhow. Aided by its integral helicopter, INS Tarkash monitored and tracked additional vessels operating in the area.
A specialist boarding team, including Marine Commandos, conducted a comprehensive search of the Dhow, uncovering numerous sealed packets stored in different compartments. The crew was detained and subjected to detailed questioning regarding their smuggling network and possible accomplices.
