New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in a joint operation with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has intercepted a suspected maritime drug-smuggling operation involving narcotics valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.The operation was conducted on September 25 following intelligence inputs and resulted in the seizure of around 526 kg of high-grade narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine. Five Pakistani nationals allegedly operating the vessel were also apprehended.
According to the Press Information Bureau, Coast Guard assets carried out coordinated aerial and maritime surveillance after identifying the suspected vessel. The vessel was tracked for an extended period before ICG personnel launched a hot pursuit and intercepted an Iranian dhow in the high seas.
Following the interception, the vessel, the detained crew and the seized contraband were placed under armed escort and taken to Mumbai. The suspects are being subjected to joint interrogation as multiple agencies conduct further investigation into the alleged transnational smuggling network.
The operation is expected to provide investigators with leads on the wider network involved in the movement of narcotics through maritime routes.
The Coast Guard said the action underscores its continuing efforts to prevent illicit trafficking through India’s maritime domain and contributes to the government’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ initiative.
Further legal proceedings will be undertaken by the concerned agencies following the completion of the investigation.