Iranian boat with Pakistani crew caught with Rs 3,000 crore drugs in Arabian Sea

Coast guard intercepts Iranian dhow, seizes 526 kg narcotics worth over Rs 3,000cr

NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), seized approximately 526 kg of narcotics from an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep, officials said.The Coast Guard said five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were also detained during the operation carried out near Lakshadweep on September 25, as reported by news agency PTI.The drugs, valued at over Rs 3,000 crore in the international market, were seized after the vessel was intercepted during the operation.The Coast Guard conducted coordinated sea-air surveillance to track the suspicious vessel before launching a hot pursuit and boarding the dhow.The operation was carried out in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to intercept the vessel. The seized contraband comprised heroin and methamphetamine, while five Pakistani nationals operating the dhow were also apprehended.The dhow, its crew and the seized drugs were escorted to Mumbai under armed security for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings.The operation was part of coordinated efforts by the Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS to detect and disrupt suspected transnational maritime drug-smuggling networks.

The seizure comes as Indian maritime and law enforcement agencies continue efforts to prevent narcotics from being smuggled through sea routes. The Coast Guard has previously conducted joint operations with Gujarat ATS and other agencies to intercept vessels suspected of carrying illegal drugs.

In April 2025, the Coast Guard, along with Gujarat ATS, seized 307.5 kg of narcotics off the Gujarat coast, according to the Coast Guard's official record of interdiction cases.Several drug-interdiction operations have been conducted along maritime routes in the Arabian Sea, with agencies relying on intelligence inputs, vessel surveillance and coordination between maritime and land-based enforcement units to identify suspected consignments.The Coast Guard said the latest operation underlined its efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance and prevent illicit activities in India's maritime zones. The seized drugs and apprehended crew were brought to Mumbai for further investigation and legal action.