Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS Seize 526 Kg Narcotics Worth Over Rs 3,000 Crore in Arabian Sea

After tracking the suspected vessel, the operation was carried out on September 25 following actionable intelligence that triggered coordinated sea and air surveillance by the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard assets launched a hot pursuit and intercepted a suspicious Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.

The operation led to the recovery of heroin and methamphetamine from the vessel. Five Pakistani nationals who were allegedly operating the dhow were also apprehended during the interception.

The Coast Guard said the vessel, its crew and the seized contraband were subsequently taken under armed escort to Mumbai, where they will undergo joint interrogation as part of a multi-agency investigation and legal proceedings.

The ICG described the operation as a major disruption of an international narcotics-smuggling network, highlighting the role of coordinated intelligence, maritime surveillance and rapid interception in preventing illegal consignments from reaching the Indian mainland.

The seizure also comes amid intensified efforts by security and enforcement agencies to curb the movement of narcotics through India's maritime routes. The Coast Guard said its operations are aimed at preventing illicit activities in India's territorial waters and extended maritime zones while supporting the broader national campaign against drug abuse.