Indian Navy seizes over 2,500 kgs of narcotics

The Indian Navy's (IN) frontline frigate "INS Tarkash" intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics, including 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin, in the Western Indian Ocean, said an official statement on Wednesday. Operating under the Indian Navy's Western Naval Command, the frigate was deployed in the Western Indian Ocean for the past three months to carry out Maritime Security Operations (MSOs). According to the statement, two days ago while on its regular patrol, the INS Tarkash received multiple inputs from Indian Navy's P8I aircraft regarding some 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," added the statement. It further stated that 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. The dhow was taken under control, and its crew was questioned regarding its operations and links to other smuggling networks.
“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 Navy said.