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Major Operation by Gujarat ATS and Coast Guard ; Network Extending to Lakshadweep Exposed
Ahmedabad, Gujarat : The Indian Coast Guard has launched a major anti-drug operation in the Arabian Sea. In a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, approximately 526 kg of high-grade drugs valued at over ₹3,000 crore in the international market were seized. During the operation, a suspicious Iranian ‘Dhow’ (boat) was intercepted, and five Pakistani nationals on board were arrested. The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS had received intelligence regarding the smuggling of this drug consignment via the sea route. Subsequently, surveillance operations were initiated across both sea and air. The suspicious vessel was kept under constant watch, and its movements were tracked.
Acting on concrete intelligence, the Indian Coast Guard pursued the boat, eventually intercepted it, and began questioning the Pakistani nationals on board. During the search, approximately 526 kg of contraband substances including heroin and methamphetamine were recovered. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth over ₹3,000 crore in the international market. The Iranian boat, along with its crew members and the seized narcotics, has been brought to Mumbai under security escort. A joint interrogation will be conducted here, and multiple agencies will collaborate on further legal proceedings.
During the operation, security forces recovered a consignment of 526 kg of high-quality heroin and methamphetamine valued at over ₹3,000 crore from the boat, which was immediately seized. Additionally, five Pakistani nationals on board were arrested. Following the completion of the operation, the seized boat and the arrested Pakistani crew members were brought to Mumbai for further investigation and due legal process.
Currently, the arrested individuals are undergoing intensive interrogation by various investigative agencies, and legal proceedings against them are underway. Following this successful operation, the Indian Coast Guard has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s maritime boundaries. In line with the resolve for a ‘Drug-Free India,’ such stringent operations will continue in order to dismantle international drug trafficking syndicates.
Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
