New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) In a major success against maritime narcotics smuggling, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with ATS Gujarat, successfully seized approximately 115 kg of Cocaine during a joint intelligence-based anti-smuggling operation conducted during the dark hours of 25-26 May 2026 off the Mundra coast, officials said on Wednesday.
Acting on specific and actionable intelligence shared by ATS Gujarat, ICG Interceptor Boats, with ATS personnel embarked onboard, undertook an extensive search operation in the Mundra anchorage area.
During the operation, suspicious activity was observed onboard a container vessel, MV Europe, anchored approximately five nautical miles off Mundra, wherein a few bags were seen being thrown overboard.
Demonstrating swift operational response and seamless interagency coordination, the joint ICG and ATS team immediately proceeded to the location and successfully recovered five bags from the sea under extremely challenging low-visibility conditions during the night.
Upon examination, the bags were found to contain packets of white powdery substance, which tested positive for Cocaine. A total of 115 packets, weighing approximately one kg each, with an overall contraband weight of around 115 kg, were seized during the operation.
The estimated international market value of the seized narcotics is approximately Rs 1,150 crore as per open-source assessments.
Subsequently, the vessel has been brought to port for further investigation. Joint investigations by ICG, ATS Gujarat, and other concerned agencies are currently in progress, officials added.
The successful operation once again highlights the strong synergy and operational coordination between ICG and ATS Gujarat.
Notably, this marks the fifteenth successful anti-narcotics operation jointly undertaken by the agencies in the last five years, reaffirming their unwavering commitment towards strengthening maritime security and achieving the national vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.
–IANS
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