In a significant anti-drug operation, the Indian Navy successfully intercepted two Sri Lankan fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea, seizing approximately 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. The operation took place on November 24 and 25, 2024, and was facilitated by crucial intelligence provided by the Sri Lankan Navy, which alerted the Indian authorities to suspected narcotics smuggling activities.
In response to this intelligence, the Indian Navy swiftly mobilized a comprehensive response team. This included deploying a naval ship, along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft and remotely piloted drones, to effectively search for and intercept the targeted vessels. The operation was marked by precise coordination between the naval ship and aerial assets, enabling the successful boarding of both fishing boats.
Further enhancing the operation was the involvement of a ship dispatched from the Information Fusion Centre based in Gurugram, designed to bolster efforts in the Indian Ocean Region. A second Indian naval ship was also positioned to provide additional support in what has become a concerted campaign against drug trafficking in the region.
As a result of this operation, both fishing vessels, along with their crew members, have been detained. The seized narcotics and the individuals involved are in the process of being transferred to Sri Lankan authorities, where they will undergo further legal proceedings related to the smuggling activities.
The successful capture of such a significant quantity of illicit drugs underscores the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation in combating drug trafficking and enhancing regional security. This operation exemplifies the ongoing commitment of both the Indian and Sri Lankan navies to work collaboratively against the menace of narcotics, an issue that poses serious challenges not only to the nations involved but to global security as a whole.
