In an intelligence-led joint operation with ATS Gujarat and the Central Intelligence Agency, Indian Coast Guard units intercepted a suspicious Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep, and seized 526 kg of high-grade heroin and methamphetamine valued at over ₹3,000 crore.
The operation involved positive detection, sustained tracking and a hot pursuit of the suspicious vessel. The sequence culminated in a tactical boarding by Indian Coast Guard units, resulting in the interception of the vessel and the disruption of a major transnational narco-smuggling operation.
Five Pakistani crew members were apprehended during the operation. The intercepted vessel, along with the apprehended crew, was subsequently escorted to Mumbai for multi-agency investigation and further prosecution.
The operation was conducted through intelligence-led coordination between the Indian Coast Guard, ATS Gujarat and the Central Intelligence Agency. The sustained tracking of the vessel followed its positive detection in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
The seizure comprised 526 kg of high-grade heroin and methamphetamine, with the consignment valued at more than ₹3,000 crore. The recovery represents a major seizure of narcotic substances during the maritime interdiction operation.
The tactical boarding brought the pursuit to an end and enabled the apprehension of the five-member Pakistani crew. Following the interception, the vessel and crew were moved to Mumbai to facilitate multi-agency investigations and subsequent prosecution.
The operation also involved coordinated action across agencies, with intelligence inputs and maritime surveillance leading to the detection and tracking of the suspicious dhow. The Indian Coast Guard units maintained pursuit before conducting the boarding operation.
The interdiction was carried out in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep, placing the operation within the wider maritime security environment of India’s waters and approaches.
The Indian Coast Guard stated that it remains fully postured and committed to securing India’s maritime borders and tackling transnational organised crime. The operation forms part of efforts aimed at dismantling drug-smuggling networks and contributing to the objective of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
The successful interdiction also highlighted the role of intelligence-led maritime operations in detecting, tracking and intercepting vessels suspected of involvement in transnational narcotics trafficking.
Following the seizure and apprehension, the vessel and crew were escorted to Mumbai, where multi-agency investigations and prosecution proceedings are set to follow.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine, the apprehension of five Pakistani crew members and the interception of the Iranian dhow, marking a significant maritime action against a transnational narco-smuggling vector in the Arabian Sea.
