Coast Guard Seizes Rs 3,000 Crore Narcotics in Arabian Sea
In a massive operation, the Indian Coast Guard seized 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian dhow.
In one of the most significant maritime drug busts in recent times, the Indian Coast Guard, working in close coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea and seized approximately 526 kg of high-value narcotics. The contraband, consisting of heroin and methamphetamine, carries an estimated international market value exceeding Rs 3,000 crore.
High-Stakes Pursuit West of Lakshadweep
The operation took place on September 25, following precise actionable intelligence regarding suspicious maritime activity. Acting on these leads, the Coast Guard initiated a sophisticated sea-air surveillance mission to track the vessel located west of Lakshadweep. After identifying the suspicious dhow, security forces launched a hot pursuit to intercept the vessel before it could evade detection.
Upon successfully boarding the dhow, officials discovered the massive consignment of illegal drugs. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel at the time of the seizure.
Coordinated Inter-Agency Strike
This successful interdiction was a result of seamless coordination between maritime and land-based enforcement units. Key details of the operation include:
- Collaborative Effort: The mission was executed through joint efforts between the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat ATS.
- Target: An Iranian dhow suspected of being part of a transnational maritime drug-smuggling network.
- Seized Contraband: 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine.
- Apprehensions: Five Pakistani nationals taken into custody.
Following the interception, the vessel, the seized narcotics, and the apprehended crew were escorted to Mumbai under heavy armed security. They are currently undergoing joint interrogation as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
Ongoing Battle Against Maritime Smuggling
This massive seizure underscores the persistent efforts of Indian law enforcement agencies to disrupt illicit activities within India's maritime zones. The Arabian Sea has increasingly become a focal point for drug-interdiction operations, requiring constant vigilance and intelligence-led surveillance.
This is not an isolated incident for the agencies involved. In April 2025, a similar joint operation between the Coast Guard and the Gujarat ATS led to the seizure of 307.5 kg of narcotics off the Gujarat coast. The latest success reinforces the commitment of the Indian Coast Guard to strengthening maritime surveillance and preventing the flow of narcotics through sea routes into the country.