In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, Indian and Sri Lankan navies successfully seized around 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine from two fishing vessels operating in the Arabian Sea. This joint operation was executed following a surveillance mission utilizing Indian Navy long-range maritime patrol aircraft and drones, based on intelligence gathered from their Sri Lankan counterparts.

The operation, which transpired on November 25, culminated in the interception of the two boats, along with their crew and the confiscated narcotics, which are now set to be handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal proceedings.

According to officials, the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC), stationed in Gurugram, played a crucial role in the operation, enhancing the overall situational awareness concerning maritime movements in the region. This center has increasingly become a vital hub for tracking activities across the Indian Ocean.

“Based on information received from the Sri Lankan Navy regarding probable narcotics smuggling by vessels flagged in Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy promptly coordinated a robust response to intercept the boats,” stated the Indian Navy. The operation began with the identification of the two fishing vessels, aided by continuous inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy, supplemented by aerial reconnaissance conducted by Indian naval aircraft.

On November 24 and 25, Indian naval personnel successfully boarded the vessels, leading to the substantial seizure of the narcotic substance, outlined in the official report. The operation utilized the assets of an additional Indian naval ship that was deployed to support efforts aimed at combating narcotics trafficking.

The Indian Navy emphasized the operation as a testament to the strong partnership and collaborative bonds that have developed between India and Sri Lanka. It highlighted the unified commitment of both nations’ navies in addressing regional maritime challenges, underlining their determination to enhance safety and security throughout the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Navy is gearing up for a spectacular celebration of Navy Day on December 4, with events taking place on the scenic coast of Puri. Preparations for this significant occasion have reached advanced stages, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to making the event memorable.

As part of the celebrations, various Indian Navy ships have already arrived in Puri and are actively engaged in practice sessions and rehearsals. These ships are not only preparing for the festivities but are also assessing maritime conditions to ensure the safety and success of the day’s events. There has been some speculation among the public regarding the ships’ presence, with discussions suggesting that they might be monitoring potential infiltration activities from Bangladesh. This has attracted considerable attention, leading to a large crowd gathering along the shore to witness the five naval vessels.

Enhancing the preparations, Chief of Naval Staff Dinesh K Tripathi recently visited Puri to oversee rehearsals and engage with local district administration officials regarding the various arrangements. His presence comes after attending the Passing Out Parade of the fourth batch of Agniveers at Indian Naval Ship (INS) Chilka, highlighting the interconnectedness of Navy operations and training.

The celebrations will also have special significance as the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is scheduled to attend the events in Puri. The Indian Navy, along with the Odisha government and local administration, is diligently working to ensure that all arrangements are flawless for this high-profile visit. The live operational demonstration planned for the day will also be an attraction for tourists present at the occasion.

In today’s digital age, the program will be accessible to a wider audience as it will be broadcast live across national media and streamed on the Indian Navy’s official YouTube channel. This marks a continuation of the tradition that saw President Murmu in attendance at last year’s Navy Day celebrations held in Vishakhapatnam. The investments being made in the event underline the importance placed on showcasing India’s naval capabilities while fostering public interest and involvement in maritime affairs.

In a significant operation aimed at curbing narcotics trafficking in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy successfully intercepted two fishing boats flagged from Sri Lanka, suspected of being involved in smuggling activities. This operation took place over the course of November 24 and 25 and led to the seizure of approximately 500 kg of crystal meth.

The operation was launched following credible intelligence received from the Sri Lankan Navy, alongside aerial surveillance executed by both the Indian Naval Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The Indian Navy’s coordinated efforts were further supported by data from the Information Fusion Centre (Indian Ocean Region) located in Gurugram, which played a critical role in localizing and identifying the two vessels engaged in the illegal activity.

During the operation, an Indian Navy warship was deployed, and with the aid of aerial assets, the two fishing vessels were successfully boarded. Additionally, to enhance operational capabilities, another Indian Navy ship was dispatched to provide additional support, ensuring comprehensive surveillance and effectiveness in carrying out the mission.

The seized narcotics, along with the fishing boats and their crew members, will be handed over to Sri Lankan authorities to initiate further legal proceedings. This collaborative operation not only highlights the Indian Navy’s quick response but also demonstrates the strong maritime partnership that exists between India and Sri Lanka in addressing shared security challenges in the region.

In a broader context of maritime security, this operation follows closely on the heels of the fourth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise Sea Vigil 2024, which concluded on November 21. This extensive exercise was executed in two phases, with the first phase spanning November 13 to 19, and the second phase encompassing a rigorous 36-hour period involving coordination across all coastal states and union territories of India.

Sea Vigil 2024 enlisted the participation of over 21 agencies from six ministries, including the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, State Marine Police, Customs, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Port Authorities, and the Fisheries Department, among others. The second phase of the exercise showcased a substantial deployment of over 550 surface assets from various maritime security agencies, executing 60 air sorties that accounted for approximately 200 hours of flying time over India’s expansive 11,098 km coastline and its Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometers.

Through these operations and exercises, India reiterates its commitment to enhancing maritime security and coastal defense mechanisms, ensuring safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.