INS Tarkash, the leading warship operated under the Western Command of the Indian Navy, successfully caught and seized more than 2500 kg of drugs in the Western Indian Ocean. This action highlights the unwavering commitment of the Indian Navy to deal with the crime in the sea and to empower regional security.
The INS Tarkash has been posted in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025 to fulfill its maritime security duties. This Joint Work Force (CTF) is actively giving its assistance to 150, which is part of the joint maritime forces (CMF) and located in Bahrain. This warship is participating in the joint naval action exercise Enjac Tiger of multinational forces.
INS Tarkash received several information about the suspected activities of some ships in the area from the Indian Navy’s P8i aircraft during patrolling on 31 April 2025. It is believed that these ships were involved in illegal works, including drug trafficking. During the operation, INS Tarkash changed its maneuver to stop suspected ships. INS Tarkash stopped a suspected Dowb and action on it after systematically interrogated all the nearby suspected ships and coordinated with the sea-operating center in Mumbai. Additionally, INS Tarkash has kept an eye on the activities of the suspected ship and identify other ships that travel in the area
During the operation, an expert boarding team along with Marine Commandos climbed on suspicious boat and intense searched, resulting in various sealed packets. Further search and interrogation revealed that more than 2,500 kg of drugs (which included 2386 kg of Hashish and 121 kg heroin) in various cargo holds and coaches on the ship. The suspected Dow boat was later taken under control of the INS Tarkash and the crew was extensively questioned about their functioning and the presence of other similar ships in the area.
This seizure underlines the effectiveness and functioning of the Indian Navy in preventing and controlling illegal activities including drug trafficking in the sea. The participation of the Indian Navy in multinational exercises aims to promote security, stability and prosperity in the international water sector in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
