Major Drug Smuggling Attempt Foiled in Arabian Sea, Drugs Worth Over Rs 3,000 Crore Seized

The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), has foiled a major drug-smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.

During a high-seas operation, authorities intercepted an Iranian dhow and seized around 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market, according to officials.

Acting on specific intelligence received on September 25, the Indian Coast Guard launched a coordinated surveillance operation using both maritime and aerial assets to track the suspicious vessel. The operation was subsequently intensified, leading to a hot pursuit and interception of the dhow.

Five Pakistani nationals found aboard the vessel were detained during the operation.

The seized drugs, the dhow and the five detained individuals are being escorted to Mumbai under armed security. They will be handed over to the concerned agencies for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings.

The Indian Coast Guard described the operation as a significant success in its efforts to prevent illegal activities and drug trafficking in Indian waters and the wider maritime region.