The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recently thwarted a drug trafficking attempt off the Gujarat coast. Collaborating with the Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the ICG intercepted a Pakistani boat in the Arabian Sea. The successful operation resulted in the seizure of 86 kg of drugs valued at approximately Rs 600 crore.
This operation, conducted overnight, marked the 11th successful joint mission over the past three years. Utilizing Coast Guard vessels and aircraft, particularly the ICG ship Rajratan, authorities located and apprehended the suspect boat. Despite attempts by the drug-laden boat to evade capture, the swift and efficient actions of the Coast Guard led to its interception. “In a daring overnight operation, the Indian Coast Guard conducted an intelligence-driven anti-narcotics mission at sea on April 28th. Approximately 86 kg of narcotics, valued at Rs 600 crore, was apprehended along with 14 crew members from the Pakistani boat,” stated the agency in a release.
Upon boarding the Pakistani boat, Coast Guard officials confirmed the presence of a substantial amount of narcotics. The 14-member crew of the vessel was detained and the boat was escorted to Porbandar for further investigation. Preliminary examinations revealed that the seized packets contained heroin, a potent recreational opioid.
During the operation, an ICG official had to resort to firing, resulting in injuries to the head of the crew. However, all crew members surrendered and were taken into custody. Further investigations revealed that all crew members hailed from Balochistan, Pakistan.
This successful interception highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in combating drug trafficking. Gujarat Director General of Police Vikas Sahay commended the bravery of Coast Guard and ATS officials involved in the operation. He also recalled a previous joint operation where a boat carrying methamphetamine and its Pakistani crew members were apprehended.
This recent seizure adds to a series of successful interceptions by Indian authorities. In February, the Indian Navy and the NCB intercepted a dhow off the Gujarat coast, seizing a staggering 3,300 kg of drugs, primarily charas. The value of the seized charas in international markets underscored the significance of the interception.
