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Ahmedabad, Gujarat : In a major anti narcotics operation, the Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, has seized around 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine, estimated to be worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.
The operation was launched following intelligence received by the Gujarat ATS regarding a suspected international narcotics trafficking network.
Acting on the input, the ATS alerted the Indian Coast Guard following which a joint team conducted surveillance in the Arabian Sea.
The suspected Iranian dhow identified as Azad was intercepted in Indian territorial waters west of Lakshadweep. Security personnel boarded and searched the vessel, recovering approximately 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin, according to officials.
Five Pakistani nationals found aboard the vessel were detained. They have been identified as Mohammad Yakub Balochi, Shakirullah, Faridullah, Ahmed Khan and Wahidullah Khan, all residents of Peshawar, Pakistan.
During preliminary questioning, the crew allegedly disclosed that the dhow had sailed from Iran and that the drug consignment had been transferred to it from a smaller boat originating from Gwadar Pakistan.
Investigators are now probing the wider international network, the intended recipients and alleged hawala transactions linked to the consignment.
The vessel was brought to Mumbai on Wednesday, while the Gujarat ATS is registering a case and continuing further investigation into the trafficking network.
