Operations Sea Shield I and II, conducted under the coordination of the Regional Operations Coordination Centre (ROCC) and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC), resulted in one of the largest narcotics seizures in recent years in the Western Indian Ocean. These operations are part of the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA).
Between May and June 2025, more than 1.5 tonnes of drugs were intercepted, including 770 kilos of heroin and methamphetamine off the coast of Sri Lanka and 310 kilos in Mozambique waters. These seizures mark a major step forward in the fight against transnational drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
An unprecedented regional mobilisation
The success of Sea Shield operations relies on enhanced regional cooperation, real-time intelligence sharing, and strategic operational leadership provided by the two regional centres. More than ten countries participated, including ARSM members—Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, Madagascar, and Comoros—alongside key regional partners such as India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
The initiative was supported by the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) programme, implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and funded by the European Union, highlighting the importance of collaboration between regional and international partners to secure strategic sea lanes.
A coordinated hunt on the high seas
The operation involved the surveillance and interception of three Iranian dhows—GALVATRON, IGOR, and EJECTOR—suspected of playing a central role in a vast transnational drug trafficking network. Through a combination of aerial surveillance, naval and coastal patrols, and near-instantaneous information sharing, the vessels’ movements were tracked over thousands of nautical miles.
Despite challenging weather conditions related to the monsoon transition, several national assets played a crucial role: the MCGS Valiant (Mauritius), the Dornier aircraft from Seychelles, and several Sri Lankan Navy vessels helped identify, track, and intercept targets. Continuous analysis of sea movements conducted by the RMIFC was instrumental in refining decision-making and strengthening maritime domain awareness (MDA) throughout the operation.
A strategic step forward for regional maritime security
This operation demonstrated the effectiveness of a collective and integrated approach to maritime security. It also helped to strengthen trust between States and confirmed the role of the CRCO as a regional operational reference centre.
“Sea Shield demonstrates that when the region acts in a coordinated manner, it can achieve significant results in the face of transnational maritime threats,” said Captain Sam Gontier, director of the CRCO. “Its success relies on the quality of intelligence, trust between actors, and a collective response structured under a common security architecture.”
Beyond the tactical results, the operation highlighted several areas for improvement: the need for clear legal frameworks for interceptions at sea, the deployment of on-board lawyers to support post-seizure procedures, and the strengthening of aerial surveillance capabilities.
A decisive step towards regional security autonomy
The results of Operations Sea Shield I and II mark a turning point in regional maritime governance, paving the way for future concerted operations, enhanced integration of surveillance systems, and increased political commitment to the ARSM. This success illustrates a transition toward a maritime security model led by the region’s countries, less dependent on external intervention. The CRCO and the RMIFC thank all the countries, institutions, and partners involved in the operation. It sets a benchmark for maritime cooperation and actively contributes to building a safer, more resilient, and more united Western Indian Ocean.
—Source: IOC
