The North News
New Delhi, April 2
Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash has intercepted a vessel carrying more than 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean, reinforcing its role in combating maritime crime and enhancing regional security. The warship, deployed for Maritime Security Operations since January 2025, is supporting Combined Task Force 150, a multinational initiative under the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces. It was conducting operations as part of the joint focus mission, Anzac Tiger.
According to official sources, the ship received intelligence from an Indian Navy P8I aircraft about suspicious vessels in the area. After a coordinated effort involving aerial surveillance and maritime command centres, INS Tarkash intercepted and boarded a suspect dhow. A specialist team, including Marine Commandos, discovered and seized 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin hidden onboard.
The crew of the vessel was questioned, and authorities are investigating potential links to wider drug trafficking networks. The Indian Navy says such operations demonstrate its commitment to maritime security and disrupting illegal activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
