Joint operation with Gujarat ATS leads to seizure of 526 kg heroin and methamphetamine; five Pakistani nationals apprehended
New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Gujarat, has foiled a major maritime narcotics-smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
Acting on actionable intelligence, Indian Coast Guard assets carried out coordinated sea-air surveillance and maintained continuous tracking of a suspicious vessel. The operation culminated in a hot pursuit and boarding of an Iranian dhow on September 25, 2026.
During the high-seas operation, the authorities seized approximately 526 kilograms of high-grade contraband, comprising heroin and methamphetamine. The seized narcotics are estimated to have a value of more than ₹3,000 crore in international markets.
The operation also resulted in the apprehension of five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel.
Following the interception, the dhow, its crew and the seized contraband were brought to Mumbai under armed protection for further investigation.
The apprehended persons and seized material will undergo joint interrogation and comprehensive multi-agency legal proceedings, with the concerned agencies examining the origin, intended destination and wider network associated with the alleged maritime narcotics-smuggling operation.
The successful interception highlights the role of coordinated maritime surveillance, intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation in countering the trafficking of illegal narcotics through India’s maritime domain.