PANAJI: The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Gujarat, intercepted an Iranian dhow carrying approximately 526 kg of high-grade narcotics in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
The Chief Public Relations Officer, Indian Coast Guard, said the operation was launched based on actionable intelligence. Coast Guard assets conducted sea and air surveillance, maintained continuous tracking of the suspicious vessel and subsequently launched a hot pursuit and boarding operation.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 526 kg of contraband comprising heroin and methamphetamine, valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore in international markets, the Coast Guard said.
Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were also apprehended, according to the Coast Guard. The intercepted dhow, its crew and the seized contraband were escorted to Mumbai under armed protection for joint interrogation and further multi-agency legal proceedings.
The Coast Guard said the operation involved coordinated sea-air surveillance and tracking before the vessel was intercepted on September 25.
