Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS Seize 203 kg Suspected Narcotics Near IMBL; Two Foreign Nationals Held
An ICG ship deployed under Coast Guard Region (North West) for multi-mission tasks was immediately diverted to intercept a foreign fishing vessel suspected of involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, intercepted a speed boat carrying approximately 203 kg of suspected crystalline narcotic substance in the Arabian Sea near the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) during an overnight operation on February 16.
The operation was launched following corroborated intelligence shared by Gujarat ATS. An ICG ship deployed under Coast Guard Region (North West) for multi-mission tasks was immediately diverted to intercept a foreign fishing vessel suspected of involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
High-Seas Pursuit and Interception
Despite challenging sea conditions, the Coast Guard ship identified the suspect vessel using a combination of human intelligence and technical surveillance systems. The vessel attempted to flee but was pursued and successfully intercepted.
On boarding, officials found the speed boat manned by two foreign nationals. A detailed search led to the recovery of 203 packets, each weighing around one kilogram, containing a crystalline substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.
Investigation Underway
The apprehended boat, seized contraband and crew members have been brought to Porbandar for further investigation. Detailed chemical analysis of the seized substance will determine its exact composition.
The interception underscores ongoing efforts by maritime security agencies to curb cross-border drug trafficking and strengthen coastal surveillance along India’s western seaboard.
