The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has intercepted an Iranian dhow carrying approximately 526 kg of narcotics worth more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel.
The operation was conducted on September 25 following intelligence inputs regarding the movement of a suspicious vessel through the maritime route. Indian Coast Guard assets used coordinated sea and aerial surveillance to track the dhow before launching a sustained pursuit. The vessel was subsequently intercepted and boarded west of Lakshadweep.
The seized consignment consisted of approximately 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin, taking the total quantity to around 526 kg. The drugs were estimated to have an international market value of more than ₹3,000 crore.
According to details released by investigators, the intercepted dhow was identified as Azad and had departed from Iran. The investigation has also examined information indicating that the narcotics were transferred onto the vessel from another boat that had originated from Gwadar, Pakistan. These details remain part of the ongoing investigation into the wider maritime smuggling network.
The five Pakistani nationals apprehended during the operation were taken into custody along with the vessel and the seized narcotics. The dhow, its crew and the contraband were subsequently escorted to Mumbai under armed security for joint interrogation and further multi-agency legal proceedings.
The operation highlights the role of maritime surveillance and intelligence-led interdiction in countering narcotics trafficking through the Arabian Sea. The Indian Coast Guard said the action was aimed at disrupting transnational drug-smuggling networks and preventing illegal narcotics from reaching the Indian mainland.
Further investigation is underway to establish the origin and intended destination of the consignment and to identify other individuals and networks connected with the suspected smuggling operation. Gujarat ATS and other agencies are expected to continue the investigation as part of the multi-agency proceedings.