The Indian Navy’s Talwar class frigate INS Tarkash has seized more than 2 500 kilograms of narcotics in the western Indian Ocean while deployed as part of Combined Task Force 150.
On 31 March, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received multiple inputs from Indian Navy P8I maritime patrol aircraft, regarding suspicious vessels operating in the area. These vessels were believed to be involved in illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking. In response, the INS Tarkash altered its course to intercept. After interrogating 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 helicopter to monitor the activities of the suspicious vessel and identify other vessels likely operating in the area, the Indian Navy said in a statement.
A specialist boarding team, along with Marine Commandos, boarded the dhow after a thorough search discovered sealed packets containing 2 386 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 its crew were questioned.
“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),” the Navy said in a statement.
Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025, 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.
