New Delhi, November 29 (IANS). Indian Navy has seized a huge consignment of narcotics. The Navy carried out this action at sea. Under this, about 500 kg of narcotics (crystal meth) were seized. The Indian Navy took this action by surrounding Sri Lankan flagged ships. Sri Lankan Navy also supported the Indian Navy in this action.
In this context, the Defense Ministry said on Friday that the Sri Lankan Navy had informed that narcotics were being smuggled by Sri Lankan flagged fishing vessels. The Indian Navy reacted quickly to this information. Based on information received from the Sri Lankan Navy, the Indian Navy launched a coordinated operation to localize and intercept the boats.
Surveillance by Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft of the Indian Navy was initiated based on inputs from the Information Fusion Center (Indian Ocean Region), Gurugram. An Indian Navy ship was also deployed to augment its efforts. The two boats were identified based on inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy and aerial surveillance by Indian Navy aircraft.
The Defense Ministry said that after the identification of the two boats, in a coordinated operation by ship and aircraft, both boats were engaged by the ship’s boarding team. During the search, approximately 500 kg of narcotics (crystal meth) were seized.
The Defense Ministry says forces were augmented to conduct anti-narcotics operations. An additional Navy ship was also assigned the task for this. Both boats, along with the captured crew and seized narcotics, are being handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal action.
According to the Defense Ministry, this operation reaffirms the close partnership and relations developed between the two countries and navies. It also symbolizes the joint resolve of both the Navies to address regional maritime challenges and ensure security in the Indian Ocean region.
–IANS
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