Pakistani vessel smuggling drugs worth Rs 600 cr into India caught in Arabian Sea, 14 held
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a suspicious boat, in the Arabian Sea, west of Gujarat's Porbandar, that was found to be carrying around 86 kilograms of drugs valued at around Rs 600 crore from Pakistan.
Acting on intelligence, the Coast Guard coordinated with the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to target the drug trafficking network active in the area.
A total of 14 crew members from the Pakistani vessel were taken into custody in the operation.
"In a breathtaking overnight operation, the Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation at sea. Approx 86 kg of narcotics worth Rs 600 crore has been apprehended along with 14 crew from the Pakistani boat," the Coast Guard said in a press release.
Anti #Narco #Operations @IndiaCoastGuard Ship Rajratan with #ATS #Gujarat & #NCB @narcoticsbureau in an overnight sea - air coordinated joint ops apprehends #Pakistani boat in Arabian Sea, West of #Porbandar with 14 Pak crew & @86 Kg contraband worth approx ₹ 600Cr in… pic.twitter.com/N49LfrYLzz
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) April 28, 2024
The Coast Guard dispatched both ships and aircraft simultaneously to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the mission. Among the crucial vessels engaged in the operation was the Coast Guard ship Rajratan, carrying the NCB and ATS officials.
Despite attempts by the suspected drug-carrying boat to avoid detection, the vigilant ship managed to locate and intercept it. A specialized team from the ship conducted a comprehensive search, confirming the presence of drugs on board.
"No amount of evasive manoeuvring tactics employed by the drug laden boat could save it from the swift and strong ICG ship Rajratan. Ship's specialist team embarked the suspect boat and after thorough checks, confirmed the presence of the sizeable amount narcotics," Coast Guard said.
The seized Pakistani boat, along with its crew, is being brought to Porbandar for further investigation.
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