In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian and Sri Lankan navies seized approximately 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine from two fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea. The operation, conducted on November 24 and 25, had the Indian Navy’s long-range maritime patrol aircraft and drones conduct a surveillance mission in critical sea lanes based on intelligence shared by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Following this, the two vessels, suspected to be engaged in narcotics smuggling, were intercepted in a closely coordinated operation involving aerial and naval assets.
“Based on information received from the Sri Lankan Navy regarding probable narcotics smuggling by Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy responded swiftly through a coordinated operation to intercept the boats,” the Indian Navy stated.
Narcotics Seizure – Combined Operation b/n #IndianNavy & @srilanka_navy.
Based on information received from #SrilankaNavy regarding probable narcotics smuggling by Sri Lankan flagged fishing vessels, the @indiannavy swiftly responded through a coordinated operation to localise &… pic.twitter.com/dkpzNQonTF
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) November 29, 2024
Extensive Surveillance Undertaken By Indian Naval Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft
The operation involved identifying the two vessels through sustained surveillance and deploying boarding teams to search the boats, leading to the discovery of the narcotics. “Extensive surveillance was undertaken by Indian Naval Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft, based on inputs from the Information Fusion Centre (Indian Ocean Region), Gurugram, and an Indian Naval ship was deployed to augment efforts,” the statement read.
The seized contraband and the boats’ crew are being handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal proceedings, it added.
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The Gurugram-based Information Fusion Centre (IFC), a key hub for tracking ship movements and developments in the Indian Ocean Region, also provided critical inputs for the operation.
One additional Indian naval ship was tasked to bolster the anti-narcotics efforts during the operation.
“This operation reaffirms the close partnership and bonds developed between the two countries and navies. It also symbolises the combined resolve of both navies to address regional maritime challenges and ensure safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region,” the Indian Navy emphasised.
