The Indian Coast Guard stated that, in a joint operation involving Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad and intelligence agencies, a suspicious Iranian boat was intercepted and searched in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
According to Indian officials, the boat was tracked based on intelligence inputs; it was pursued following continuous surveillance and eventually intercepted. Security personnel subsequently boarded the vessel, dealing a major blow to an alleged international drug smuggling network.
A statement from the Indian Coast Guard revealed that 526 kilograms of high-grade heroin and methamphetamine were seized during the operation, with an estimated value exceeding 3,000 crore Indian rupees.
Officials confirmed that the five Pakistani crew members on board have been taken into custody. The arrested individuals and the seized boat have been moved to Mumbai for further investigation, where various agencies will conduct a joint probe and legal proceedings will follow.
The Indian Coast Guard affirmed that it would continue its operations to safeguard maritime borders, dismantle drug smuggling networks, and prevent international organized crime.
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