In an intrepid operation, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate INS Tarkash has seized over 2,500 kgs of narcotics off the coast of Mumbai in the western Indian Ocean. Announcing the seizure on Wednesday, the Indian Navy said the operation was planned and launched after receiving intelligence on March 31 about suspicious vessel movements.
Based on the tip-off, all suspicious vessels in the vicinity were systematically interrogated before INS Tarkash intercepted the suspect dhow, according to the Indian Navy.
The big drug bust
In a daredevil operation that seemed to have jumped straight out of a film, the crew reportedly intercepted the suspected vessel with assistance from P-8I aircraft. INS Tarkash deployed its integral helicopter for the operation. A specialist boarding team, along with Marine Commandos, boarded the suspect vessel and found various sealed packets after a thorough search. According to reports, the recovery includes 2,386 kgs of hashish and 121 kgs of heroin stored in different cargo holds and compartments onboard the vessel.
P8I helicopter is reportedly used to monitor the activities of the suspicious vessels and identify other vessels likely operating in the Western Indian Ocean region.
INS Tarkash: Indian Navy’s frontline frigate
INS Tarkash has been deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January this year for Maritime Security Operations. The warship is actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and is based in Bahrain, the Indian Navy said. The ship is participating in the multi-national forces joint focus operation — Anzac Tiger.
“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 (IOR),” the PIB statement said.
