In a significant blow to narcotics smuggling operations, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Mandapam, in a joint operation with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Chennai, successfully intercepted and seized 99 kilograms of Hashish with an estimated value of Rs 108 crores from a country boat sailing towards Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar on March 5, 2024.

The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs developed by the officers of the DRI Chennai Zonal Unit, indicating a plan by a smuggling gang to transport narcotics substances from India to Sri Lanka via the coastal route near Mandapam sea coast.

Responding swiftly to the intelligence, officers from the DRI and the Indian Coast Guard launched a coordinated surveillance operation over the Gulf of Mannar aboard an Indian Coast Guard Ship during the intervening night of March 4th and 5th, 2024.

Their vigilance paid off when they identified a country boat heading towards Sri Lanka during the surveillance. Without hesitation, the officers intercepted the vessel after a brief but intense pursuit on the high seas.

Upon boarding and searching the country boat, officers discovered five sacks concealed inside. Suspecting foul play, they immediately brought the vessel, along with its cargo and the three individuals on board, to the Indian Coast Guard Station Mandapam for further investigation.

During questioning, the individuals confessed that they had received the bags containing narcotics from an unidentified person in the Pamban Coastal area. They admitted to being instructed to transport the contraband to rendezvous with unknown individuals from Sri Lanka at a predetermined location in the deep sea.

A meticulous examination of the seized sacks revealed a total of 111 packets, weighing a staggering 99 kilograms in total. The packets contained a brown, sticky substance which, upon testing with a field testing kit, was confirmed to be Hashish, a highly potent narcotic substance with a significant international market value.

Acting swiftly and decisively, all four individuals involved in the smuggling attempt were apprehended for further investigation under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The successful interception and seizure of such a large quantity of narcotics underscore the unwavering commitment of the Indian Coast Guard and the DRI Chennai to combatting drug smuggling activities in the region.

This operation serves as a stern warning to criminal elements involved in narcotics trafficking, reaffirming the authorities’ determination to uphold law and order and safeguard national security.

In a demonstration of its swift responsiveness and commitment to maritime security, the Indian Navy swiftly reacted to a distress call from the Liberian-flagged MV MSC Sky II, which was reported to be on fire approximately 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden in the Gulf of Aden on the evening of March 4th.

Promptly deploying its assets, the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata, which was already on mission deployment in the region for maritime security operations, arrived at the scene of the incident by 10:30 PM, within hours of the distress call.

Upon arrival, a specialized firefighting team comprising 12 highly trained personnel from INS Kolkata was immediately dispatched to assist in the firefighting efforts aboard the stricken vessel.

Despite the late hour, the team embarked the vessel in the early morning hours of March 5th, demonstrating the Indian Navy’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of maritime traffic in the region.

In addition to the firefighting team, a Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was also deployed to assess residual risks and provide assistance in ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew.

The MV MSC Sky II, which had a crew of 23 personnel, including 13 Indians, was promptly escorted to safer waters under the vigilant watch of the Indian Navy.

The relentless efforts and rapid response by the Indian Navy’s mission-deployed platforms exemplify the Navy’s steadfast resolve in safeguarding merchant shipping and the lives of seafarers navigating through the challenging waters of the Gulf of Aden.

This incident underscores the critical role played by the Indian Navy in maintaining maritime security and upholding the principles of freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes.

In a momentous ceremony, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Administrative & Training building, named ‘Chola’, at the Naval War College (NWC) in Goa.

Paying homage to the mighty maritime empire of the Chola dynasty of ancient India, the modern edifice symbolizes India’s legacy of maritime excellence and aspirations in the maritime domain.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for establishing a world-class training facility that reflects India’s stature among the maritime powers of the world. He described Chola Bhawan as a testament to India’s rich historical heritage and a symbol of the country’s new mindset of pride and self-reliance.

The Raksha Mantri highlighted the shift in India’s approach towards maritime security under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized the importance of re-assessing threat perceptions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and rebalancing military resources to address maritime challenges effectively.

“India has emerged as the first responder and preferred security partner in the IOR, ensuring a rules-based maritime order and protecting the autonomy and sovereignty of littoral countries,” Shri Rajnath Singh stated. He praised the Indian Navy for its readiness and commitment to safeguarding India’s strategic interests in the region.

Emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbors, the Raksha Mantri reiterated the government’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). He underscored the importance of the Indian Navy in advancing this vision and enhancing India’s stature at the global level.

Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted the significance of the Indo-Pacific region in India’s economic prosperity, emphasizing the need for a strong naval presence to ensure security and stability.

He praised the Indian Navy for its efforts in countering piracy and trafficking, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant against emerging threats.

The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of two major piers at Naval Base, Karwar, capable of accommodating multiple ships and submarines. These infrastructure developments are part of Project Seabird, aimed at enhancing the capacity and strategic presence of the Indian Navy on the western coast.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar underscored the evolving security challenges in the maritime domain and the role of higher military education in addressing these challenges.

He expressed confidence that the new training facility at NWC Goa will serve as a beacon of maritime excellence, not only for the Indian forces but also for maritime neighbours.

The event, attended by dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant and Union Minister Shri Shripad Naik, marked a significant milestone in the history of NWC Goa, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in military education and maritime thought.

With the inauguration of ‘Chola’ and the unveiling of new infrastructure at Naval Base, Karwar, the Indian Navy takes another stride towards bolstering its capabilities and securing India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.