Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS seize 300 kg of narcotics worth ₹1,800 crore in major high-seas bust

In a major crackdown on drug smuggling networks, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) jointly launched an operation between April 12 and 13, seizing over 300 kilograms of narcotics worth around ₹1,800 crore. Acting on specific intelligence, the teams carried out the operation near the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) at sea, successfully intercepting the illicit consignment.

Indian Coast Guard Launches Swift Operation, Intercepts Suspicious Vessel Near IMBL Based on Gujarat ATS Intelligence

After receiving credible intelligence input from the Gujarat ATS about a possible narcotics transshipment attempt, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly launched the operation. They diverted an ICG ship, deployed in a multi-mission role in the North Maharashtra–South Gujarat maritime region, to intercept the suspicious vessel. Despite the challenges posed by the pitch-dark night, the ICG vessel successfully located the target boat near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), according to the official release.

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Suspects Attempt to Dump Narcotics, Indian Coast Guard Recovers Contraband; Chase Ends as Smugglers Cross into International Waters

Sensing imminent interception, the suspects on the boat tried to dump their narcotic consignment into the sea and fled toward the IMBL in an attempt to escape. In response, the ICG vessel quickly launched its sea boat team, which recovered the discarded contraband and simultaneously pursued the fleeing vessel.

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Due to the close proximity to the IMBL and the initial distance between the ICG ship and the suspect boat at the time of detection, the smugglers crossed into international waters, forcing the Indian team to end the chase in accordance with international protocols, the release stated. Meanwhile, the ICG’s sea boat team, braving adverse night-time conditions, recovered the discarded narcotics after conducting a meticulous search. The authorities then transported the seized drugs to Porbandar for further investigation and legal procedures.