Mumbai : In a high-profile maritime counter-narcotics operation on April 1, 2025, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate INS Tarkash intercepted a dhow in the Western Indian Ocean and confiscated over 2,500 kg of narcotics, dealing a significant blow to regional trafficking networks .
Guided by intelligence received on March 31 from Indian Navy P‑8I surveillance aircraft, the ship altered course to inspect multiple suspicious vessels operating under Mumbai’s Maritime Operations Centre coordination . A specialist team – including Marine Commandos – boarded the suspect dhow, uncovering 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin concealed in hidden compartments and cargo holds .
INS Tarkash has been deployed under the Western Naval Command since January 2025, supporting the multinational Combined Task Force 150 and participating in Operation Anzac Tiger, aimed at curbing maritime crime across the Indian Ocean Region . Following the interception, the dhow and its crew were detained for further questioning, and the seized drugs were handed over to local authorities for investigation .
Defense officials hailed the seizure as evidence of the Indian Navy’s enhanced vigilance and professionalism in combating illicit trafficking at sea. They noted that this operation once again illustrates India’s commitment to maritime security and its readiness to tackle transnational crime beyond its shores .
