Pakistani boat with drugs worth Rs 480 crore seized off Gujarat coast by Coast Guard; six arrested
In an overnight joint operation between March 11 and 12, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani boat with narcotics valued at around Rs 480 crore off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. The operation involved ICG ships, Dornier Aircraft, NCB, and ATS Gujarat, showcasing coordinated efforts. The boat was located about 350 km from Porbandar in the Arabian Sea.
Based on specific intelligence inputs, the ICG strategically positioned its ships in the Arabian Sea and deployed Dornier aircraft to locate the suspicious boat. Upon identifying the boat, ICG ships, along with teams from NCB and ATS Gujarat, successfully intercepted the vessel after it tried to escape upon challenge.
The boarding team discovered a Pakistani boat with six crew members, and upon further search, 80 kg of drugs worth about Rs 480 crore were seized. The boat and its crew have been detained and taken to Porbandar for further investigation.
This operation marks the 10th successful apprehension by the ICG in collaboration with ATS Gujarat and NCB in the last three years, resulting in a total seizure of 517 kg of narcotics worth about Rs 3,135 crore. The successful operation highlights the relentless efforts of the security agencies in combatting illegal activities at sea.
The ICG’s swift and coordinated response in apprehending the Pakistani boat and seizing a significant amount of narcotics reflects the dedication and vigilance of the security forces in safeguarding the country’s coastal borders. Such operations play a crucial role in curbing the illegal drug trade and ensuring maritime security.
