New Delhi, September 30 (TNA) The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has seized approximately 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market from an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea.
The operation was carried out on September 25 after the agencies received actionable intelligence about the movement of a suspicious vessel west of Lakshadweep. Coast Guard units tracked the dhow before intercepting and boarding it.
Five Pakistani Crew Detained
Five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel were detained during the operation. The contraband recovered from the dhow included high-grade heroin and methamphetamine, officials said.
The seizure has disrupted a suspected international maritime drug-smuggling network. The estimated value of the drugs in the international market is more than ₹3,000 crore, making it one of the major narcotics seizures in the region.
The seizure has disrupted a suspected international maritime drug-smuggling network. The estimated value of the drugs in the international market is more than ₹3,000 crore, making it one of the major narcotics seizures in the region.
Dhow Escorted to Mumbai
The Iranian dhow, its crew and the seized narcotics were brought to Mumbai under armed escort. null null been placed before a multi-agency investigation involving the Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS and other central agencies.
Officials said the detained crew members would face further questioning and legal proceedings under applicable narcotics and maritime-security laws. The agencies are also investigating the intended destination of the consignment and the wider network behind the alleged smuggling attempt.