Ahmedabad: The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad have seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin worth more than Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea.
Five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel were detained during the operation, which took place near Lakshadweep on September 25.
The operation was launched following intelligence inputs about a suspicious vessel operating in the region. Coast Guard units carried out coordinated sea and air surveillance before tracking the dhow and initiating a pursuit. The vessel was eventually intercepted and boarded west of Lakshadweep.
Authorities recovered large quantities of high grade methamphetamine and heroin from the boat. The seized drugs, along with the vessel and its crew, were subsequently brought to Mumbai under armed escort.
The crew members are being subjected to joint interrogation as agencies investigate the source, intended destination and wider network connected to the seized narcotics. Further legal proceedings are expected to follow as the investigation progresses.
The Gujarat ATS played a key role in the operation, with the agency confirming the detention of the five Pakistani nationals.
The major seizure comes amid intensified efforts by Indian security agencies to tackle international drug trafficking networks using maritime routes to move narcotics into the country.
The operation also highlights the role of maritime surveillance and rapid interception in preventing illegal shipments from reaching the Indian mainland. Authorities are examining the seized material and the vessel as part of the ongoing investigation.
The recovery of narcotics valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore is expected to significantly disrupt the operations and financial networks of international drug trafficking syndicates involved in the movement of synthetic drugs through the sea route.
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