The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad have intercepted an Iranian boat carrying 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
Five Pakistani nationals found aboard the vessel were detained during the operation, which was carried out on September 25 following intelligence inputs.
The drugs are estimated to be worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.
Iranian boat tracked in Arabian Sea
According to officials, Coast Guard units began monitoring the suspicious vessel through coordinated surveillance from the sea and air.
After tracking the boat, the Coast Guard launched a pursuit and intercepted it in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. Personnel then boarded the vessel and found a large quantity of narcotics.
The seized consignment included high-grade methamphetamine and heroin, according to officials.
Five Pakistani nationals detained
Five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel were taken into custody during the operation.
The boat, its crew and the seized drugs were subsequently brought to Mumbai under armed escort. The vessel and the suspects are now being examined as part of a joint investigation involving multiple agencies.
Further legal proceedings will follow based on the findings of the investigation.
Drugs worth over Rs 3,000 crore seized
The seizure involved approximately 526 kg of narcotics, with the total value estimated at more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.
The operation was aimed at stopping the illegal consignment from reaching the Indian mainland and identifying the network involved in moving the drugs through the maritime route.
Multi-agency investigation underway
Authorities are now questioning the detained crew members and examining the vessel and the seized consignment to establish the origin and intended destination of the drugs.
Investigators are also expected to look into possible links with wider international drug-trafficking networks operating through sea routes.
The interception highlights the role of coordinated sea and air surveillance in detecting suspicious vessels and preventing large narcotics consignments from reaching the mainland.
