INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy operating under the Western Naval Command, has successfully intercepted and seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. This operation underscores the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating maritime crime and bolstering regional security.
Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since Jan 2025 for maritime security operations, INS Tarkash is actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and is based in Bahrain. The ship is participating in the multi-national forces joint focus operation, Anzac Tiger.
On 31 Mar 25, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received multiple inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft, regarding 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, owing to the coordinated efforts with the P8I and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai. Additionally, the ship launched its integral helicopter to monitor the activities of the suspicious vessel and identify other vessels likely operating in the area.
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. Further search and interrogation revealed over 2,500 kg of narcotic substances (including 2386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin) stored in different cargo holds and compartments onboard the vessel. The suspicious Dhow was subsequently brought under the control of INS Tarkash, and the crew underwent comprehensive questioning regarding their modus operandi and the presence of other similar vessels 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).
Narcotic smuggling in the Indian Ocean region has seen significant activity over the past five years, involving various actors and organized crime groups. The region’s vast maritime expanse presents challenges for law enforcement agencies, but several notable seizures have been reported.
The Indian Ocean’s narcotics trade involves various transnational organized crime syndicates. For instance, the Kinahan cartel has established extensive money laundering networks across Southeast Asia, particularly exploiting hubs like Singapore and Indonesia. Investigations have revealed the cartel’s deep connections with regional business elites and politicians, facilitating their operations.
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The vastness of the Indian Ocean poses significant challenges for surveillance and interdiction efforts. Smugglers often employ advanced technologies, such as satellite communication devices, to evade detection. In response, regional navies and coast guards have intensified surveillance and coordinated operations, leveraging intelligence sharing and technological advancements to combat the narcotics trade effectively.
Addressing narcotic smuggling in the Indian Ocean requires sustained international cooperation, robust intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building among coastal states to effectively counter the entrenched networks of organized crime operating in the region.
Major Seizures (2020-2025):
November 2024: The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Myanmar-registered fishing vessel, ‘Soe Wai Yan Htoo,’ near Barren Island, seizing approximately 5,500 kg of methamphetamine. This operation marked the largest drug haul by the ICG to date. The consignment was believed to be destined for Thailand and linked to international drug cartels.
November 2024: In a joint operation, the Indian and Sri Lankan navies seized around 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine from Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea. The operation was initiated based on intelligence shared by the Sri Lankan Navy regarding probable narcotics smuggling.
December 2024: Indian authorities seized over 6,000 kg of methamphetamine from a Myanmar boat in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Notably, this marked the first instance of drug smugglers using Starlink’s satellite internet devices to navigate international waters and enter Indian territory.
Reuters
February 2025: At Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, customs officers intercepted an Indian national arriving from Bangkok attempting to smuggle marijuana worth approximately $1.27 million. The drugs were concealed within food packages.