The Indian Navy has successfully intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing vessel carrying an impressive 500 kilograms of narcotics, specifically Crystal Meth. This significant operation was conducted following actionable intelligence received from the Sri Lankan Navy, which alerted Indian authorities about potentially illicit activities involving Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea.
To ensure the mission’s efficacy, the Indian Navy launched extensive surveillance efforts utilizing state-of-the-art long-range maritime patrol aircraft, notably the Boeing P8I, complemented by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Furthermore, intelligence was gathered from the Information Fusion Centre located in Gurugram, which focuses on monitoring activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Based on the intelligence provided, an Indian Naval ship was dispatched to enhance operational capabilities. Over the course of detailed reconnaissance, two fishing boats were identified and closely monitored, thanks to continuous inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy and aerial oversight from Indian Navy personnel.
In a meticulously coordinated operation conducted between November 24 and 25, Indian Navy teams executed boarding actions on both vessels. This decisive operation culminated in the recovery of nearly 500 kg of narcotics. The two fishing boats, along with their crews and the confiscated drugs, are set to be handed over to Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate further legal proceedings.
This incident underscores the ongoing collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in combating maritime narcotics trafficking, revealing the proactive stance both nations are taking to enhance regional security and tackle the pervasive issue of drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean.
