How Gujarat ATS and Coast Guard Nabbed 5 Pakistani Nationals Aboard an Iranian Dhow With Over INR 3,000 Crore Drugs
The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS seized 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over INR 3,000 crore in the Arabian Sea, arresting five Pakistani nationals on an Iranian dhow. Following the seizure, the intercepted dhow, the seized narcotics, and the five detained crew members were placed under armed escort and brought to Mumbai for joint interrogation.
In a joint high-seas operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have intercepted a major maritime smuggling network, seizing 526 kilograms of high-grade narcotics valued at over INR 3,000 crore. The operation, executed in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep, led to the detention of five Pakistani nationals operating an Iranian dhow.
High-Seas Interception and Pursuit
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, the Indian Coast Guard deployed coordinated sea-air surveillance assets to track the suspicious vessel. After maintaining unyielding tracking, authorities launched a hot pursuit, successfully neutralising the target and boarding the dhow on September 25. Indian Coast Guard Rescues Foreign Chemical Tanker From Capsizing off Paradip Coast, 23 Crew Safe.
Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS Seize Narcotics Worth Over INR 3,000 Crore
The search yielded approximately 526 kilograms of illicit contraband, including high-grade heroin and methamphetamine. Describing the operation, the Indian Coast Guard noted in a statement: “Executing precise sea-air surveillance based on actionable intelligence, the Indian Coast Guard assets maintained unyielding tracking before initiating hot pursuit, neutralising the target, and boarding a suspicious Iranian dhow on September 25", reports IANS.
Security Implications and Multi-Agency Proceedings
Following the seizure, the intercepted dhow, the seized narcotics, and the five detained crew members were placed under armed escort and brought to Mumbai for joint interrogation and comprehensive multi-agency legal proceedings. Officials emphasised that the successful interception deals a heavy blow to transnational drug syndicates attempting to funnel synthetic substances toward Indian shores. Highlighting alignment with national security objectives, the ICG added:
“By crippling the financial engine of hostile foreign syndicates and intercepting toxic synthetic substances before they reach mainland shores, this mission serves as a critical force multiplier to the Union Government's national vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Bharatiya Tatrakshak remains fully postured to defend the nation's sea borders, shield the country's youth from the scourge of drugs, and uphold absolute security across the maritime domain.”
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 09:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).