In a significant development for maritime security, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tarkash, has successfully intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics during a high-stakes operation in the Western Indian Ocean. This action underscores the navy’s commitment to combating maritime crime and promoting regional stability.
Deployed under the Western Naval Command since January 2025, INS Tarkash has been actively engaged in Maritime Security Operations, supporting the multinational naval partnership Combined Task Force (CTF) 150. This task force operates under the aegis of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), headquartered in Bahrain, with a mission focused on disrupting illicit drug trafficking and enhancing maritime awareness in international waters.
The operation in question occurred on March 31, when INS Tarkash, on routine patrol, received critical intelligence from Indian Navy P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft. The information indicated the presence of suspicious vessels thought to be involved in drug smuggling activities, prompting the frigate to adjust its course for interception.
In a well-coordinated effort involving the ship’s crew, the P-8I aircraft, and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai, INS Tarkash identified and boarded a suspect Dhow vessel. To augment their capabilities, an integral helicopter was deployed to maintain aerial surveillance over the area and to monitor other potentially suspicious vessels.
Upon boarding the Dhow, a specialist team supported by Marine Commandos conducted a thorough search of the vessel. This meticulous inspection led to the discovery of numerous sealed packets concealed within the cargo compartments. Ultimately, the illicit cargo revealed a staggering total comprising 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin, bringing the total narcotics seized to over 2,500 kg. The crew aboard the Dhow was detained for further interrogation to uncover their connections and activities related to other vessels operating in the region.
The scale of this seizure marks one of the largest operations conducted by the Indian Navy in recent years, signifying the professionalism and readiness of its personnel to undertake complex counter-narcotics missions in hazardous environments. The operation not only disrupts drug trafficking but also reinforces India’s proactive stance towards ensuring the safety of maritime routes, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This area has been identified as a hotspot for various transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
India’s ongoing participation in multinational initiatives like CTF 150 is crucial for fostering regional cooperation and maritime domain awareness, contributing effectively to the collective security of international waters. The successful interception by INS Tarkash is a testament to the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to countering threats to maritime security, ensuring vigilance in high-risk waters, and safeguarding the interests of regional stability.
