In one of the big operations in the Western Indian Ocean, INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, has successfully intercepted a suspicious dhow  and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics.

The seized contraband comprised packets containing 2,386 kilograms of hashish and 121 kilograms of heroin. The packets were concealed in different cargo holds and compartments on board the Dhow and the vessel was taken under the control of INS Tarkash.

Acting on multiple inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft that some vessels were believed to have been involved in illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking, INS Tarkash – while on patrol on March 31 ---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,” the Navy officials said.

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,

Subsequent search and interrogation of the detained members led to the seizure of 2,500 kilograms of narcotic substances including 2386 kilograms of hashish and 121 kilograms of heroin stored in different cargo holds and compartments on-board the vessel,” the Navy officials

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.

Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025 for Maritime Security Operations, INS Tarkash has been actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, which is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and is based in Bahrain.

INS Tarkash, which is part of the Mumbai-headquartered Western Naval Command (WNC) the sword arm of the Indian Navy, is participating in the multi-national forces joint focus operation, Anzac Tiger.

Apart from underscoring its unwavering commitment to combating maritime crime and bolstering regional security, the seizure brought about by INS Tarkash speaks volumes about 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),” the defence officials said.