SEYCHELLES DEFENCE FORCES INTERCEPTS NARCOTICS-LADEN DHOW AT SEA
On the 25 May 2026, The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), with the support of the French Navy, has successfully tracked, intercepted and boarded a suspect dhow found carrying a substantial quantity of narcotics during a coordinated maritime operation conducted by the Seychelles Coast Guard, Seychelles Air Force and a Special Forces boarding team.
Following intelligence-led surveillance and monitoring, the suspect flagless dhow was detected and tracked operating within the Seychelles maritime area of interest. Seychelles Coast Guard Patrol Ship Andromache was subsequently deployed to intercept the vessel, which was successfully intercepted and boarded on 24 May 2026.
Initial checks and documentation recovered on board indicated that the dhow and its eight crew members were of Iranian origin. A comprehensive search of the vessel conducted by the boarding team led to the discovery of several concealed packages consistent with methods commonly used in narcotics trafficking. The illicit substances had been carefully hidden in various compartments of the vessel.
Preliminary tests conducted on the recovered substances confirmed the presence of opioids and cocaine, with an estimated market value of 360 million rupees. The eight crew members were detained and transferred onboard Patrol Ship Andromache and will subsequently be handed over to the Seychelles Police Force for further processing and investigation.
Following the operation, the dhow and its illicit contents were disposed of at sea in accordance with applicable procedures.
The Seychelles Defence Forces commends the professionalism, dedication and coordinated
efforts of all Seychelles Coast Guard sailors, Air Force personnel and Special Forces operators
involved in the operation.
The SDF further reaffirms its firm commitment to safeguarding Seychelles’ maritime domain
and supporting regional and international efforts aimed at combating illicit trafficking and
transnational organised crime in the Indian Ocean region.
