Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS Foil ₹3,000 Crore Drug Smuggling in Arabian Sea

In a high‑stakes maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) intercepted a foreign vessel in the Arabian Sea, seizing narcotics worth over ₹3,000 crore.

Acting on precise intelligence, the ICG deployed ships and aircraft to track an Iranian dhow west of Lakshadweep.

After a hot pursuit on September 25, officials boarded the vessel and discovered 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine.

Five Pakistani nationals were detained and escorted to Mumbai along with the seized contraband.

Multi‑agency interrogation is underway to uncover the wider network behind the smuggling attempt.

Authorities emphasised that the operation not only disrupted a major drug cartel but also reinforced India’s maritime vigilance.

The ICG highlighted its alignment with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, underscoring the government’s commitment to a drug‑free nation.

Officials noted that dismantling narcotics supply chains cuts off financial lifelines to organised crime and protects youth from addiction.