Following information from the Sri Lankan Navy about a boat carrying a large consignment of narcotics in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy conducted a swift and spectacular joint operation to detect and intercept the boats. The drug traffickers were apprehended and a large quantity of narcotics was recovered from the boat.
According to a press release, 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.
Two boats were identified based on continuous inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy and aerial surveillance by aircraft. Subsequently, in a closely coordinated operation between the ship and the aerial assets, both boats were boarded by the ship’s boarding team on 24 and 25 Nov 24. This led to the seizure of approximately 500 kg of narcotics (Crystal Meth). One additional Indian Navy ship was also tasked to augment the force level for conducting anti-narcotics operations.
The two boats, along with crew and seized narcotics, are being handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal action.
The operation reaffirms the close partnership and bonds developed between the two countries and navies. It also symbolizes the combined resolve of both navies to address regional maritime challenges, and ensure safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
