Indian Navy's INS Tarkash seizes over 2,500 kg narcotics in major bust off Mumbai coast

In a major operation against drug trafficking, the Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash intercepted a suspicious vessel off the Mumbai coast and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics. The bust, which occurred in the Western Indian Ocean, underscores the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding maritime security and preventing illicit activities at sea.

On March 31, the frontline frigate INS Tarkash received intelligence from the Navy’s P8I aircraft regarding suspicious vessels operating in the region. The Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai coordinated the mission, guiding INS Tarkash to systematically interrogate multiple vessels. The warship deployed a specialist boarding team, including Marine Commandos, to inspect a suspect vessel.

A thorough search of the vessel led to the discovery of 2,507 kg of narcotics, which included 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin. The contraband was stored in different cargo compartments, concealed among legitimate goods to evade detection. The seized substances were impounded, and the crew of the vessel was subjected to intense questioning to ascertain their modus operandi.

The Indian Navy also launched helicopter operations to monitor the movement of other suspicious vessels in the vicinity, ensuring that similar smuggling attempts were disrupted. The seizure is part of India’s broader effort to combat transnational drug trafficking networks that use maritime routes to smuggle illicit substances.

Officials highlighted the significance of this operation, stating that the seizure reaffirms the professionalism and efficiency of the Indian Navy in safeguarding international waters. "This bust is a testament to the vigilance of our forces in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), deterring criminal elements and ensuring regional stability," an official Navy statement read.

The Indian Navy has been actively participating in multinational exercises and cooperative security efforts to curb maritime crimes. Over the past five years, Indian security agencies have seized drugs worth over ₹11,311 crore from various seaports. Notably, the largest drug haul occurred in September 2021 at the Adani Port, SEZ Mundra, Gujarat, where authorities confiscated 2,988 kg of heroin valued at ₹5,976 crore.

With this latest bust, the Indian Navy continues to reinforce its role as a formidable force against illicit activities, ensuring that India’s maritime borders remain secure from drug cartels and traffickers.