Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 30: The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep and seized approximately 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.

The operation was carried out on September 25 following actionable intelligence. Coast Guard assets conducted sea-air surveillance, tracked the suspicious vessel and launched a hot pursuit before boarding the dhow.

Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were apprehended during the operation. The intercepted dhow, its crew and the seized narcotics were subsequently escorted to Mumbai under armed security for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings.

The seizure is part of continued efforts by the Coast Guard and other agencies to prevent international narcotics trafficking through India's maritime routes.

The latest operation follows another major joint anti-narcotics operation by the Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS in May. Between May 25 and 26, the agencies seized approximately 115 kg of cocaine worth an estimated Rs 1,150 crore from the sea off the Mundra coast in Gujarat, based on specific intelligence inputs.

During that operation, Coast Guard interceptor boats carrying ATS personnel conducted a search in the Mundra anchorage area. The team recovered five bags from the sea after observing suspicious activity involving a container vessel. The bags contained 115 packets of white powder, which tested positive for cocaine.

The May operation was described by the Coast Guard as the 15th successful anti-narcotics operation jointly undertaken by the ICG and Gujarat ATS in the preceding five years.

The latest seizure further highlights the role of coordinated maritime surveillance and intelligence-led operations in disrupting drug trafficking networks operating through the Arabian Sea.