Navy warship seizes 2,500 kg of drugs in the Indian Ocean

New Delhi, Apr 2: Patrolling Navy warship seized over 2,500 kg of illegal drugs in the Western Indian Ocean.  The warship INS Tarkash, which has been on duty in the Indian Ocean since January 2025, is part of a multinational security operation. It is working with Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a group that fights illegal activities at sea.

The warship is also taking part in Operation Anzac Tiger, a joint effort by different countries.

On March 31, 2025, while patrolling the ocean, INS Tarkash received reports from an Indian Navy P8I aircraft about suspicious boats. These boats were suspected of smuggling drugs. The warship changed its direction to check them. After searching multiple boats, the Navy identified a suspicious vessel, a Dhow (a type of traditional boat). To get a better view, INS Tarkash used a helicopter to monitor the suspicious boat’s movements. A boarding team, including Marine Commandos, searched the vessel.

They found several sealed packets hidden in different sections of the boat. After a detailed check, the team confirmed that the vessel was carrying over 2,500 kg of drugs, including 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin. The Indian Navy took control of the boat and questioned the crew about their smuggling methods and any other similar boats in the area. 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), a press release issued by the defence ministry said.