The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat, has successfully thwarted a significant maritime drug smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Lakshadweep. This operation, executed on September 25, led to the confiscation of around 526 kg of high-quality narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine, valued at over Rs 3,000 crore, as reported by the Ministry of Defence.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the ICG conducted a thorough sea-air surveillance and tracked the suspected vessel, culminating in a coordinated hot pursuit. This effort resulted in the interception and boarding of a suspicious Iranian dhow in international waters. During the operation, five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested.
Following their capture, the dhow, along with its crew and the seized drugs, was escorted under armed protection to Mumbai for joint interrogation and further examination. The case is set to undergo extensive multi-agency legal proceedings. This successful operation is seen as a vital step towards India’s goal of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ and underscores the ICG’s commitment to combating maritime drug trafficking while maintaining a strict stance against illegal activities in India’s maritime zones.
