In a dramatic high-seas chase, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat carrying a colossal amount of narcotics worth approximately Rs 480 crore in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Gujarat.
This overnight operation on March 11-12 marks a significant victory for Indian authorities. According to a It’s the tenth successful joint seizure by the ICG, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the last three years. The combined value of these narcotics interdictions stands at a staggering Rs 3,135 crore.
Based on specific intelligence, the Coast Guard strategically deployed its ships and Dornier aircraft for an intensive search in the Arabian Sea This heightened vigilance follows a rise in incidents involving Pakistani boats smuggling narcotics into Indian waters.
@IndiaCoastGuard with #ATS Gujarat & #NCB apprehended Pak boat in Arabian Sea in an overnight anti-narco operation. Boat with 06 crew & approx 80Kg contraband worth ₹ 480 Cr being brought to nearest Port for further joint rummaging & investigations. @giridhararamane pic.twitter.com/7p2frqvimL
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) March 12, 2024
Under the cloak of darkness, the ICG ships sliced through the Arabian Sea, their radars scanning for any suspicious activity. The Dornier aircraft swooped overhead, its powerful searchlights illuminating the vast expanse of water. Then, a blip appeared on their radar screens – a vessel moving erratically. The ICG ships surged towards the target, their pursuit lights cutting through the night.
The Pakistani drug runners, realizing they were being followed, veered sharply, attempting to outrun the Indian pursuers. A tense chase ensued, with the ICG ships relentlessly closing the gap. The Pakistani vessel made desperate manoeuvres, weaving through the waves, but the Coast Guard’s superior firepower and seamanship prevailed.
Cornered and with no escape route, the Pakistani boat finally came to a halt. A joint boarding team from the ICG, NCB, and ATS swiftly moved in, securing the vessel and its six crew members. A thorough search revealed a hidden cache of approximately 80 kg of drugs with an estimated street value of Rs 480 crore.
The apprehended boat and crew are being brought to Porbandar for further investigation and legal proceedings. This successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Indian authorities to combat drug trafficking and maintain maritime security. In 2022, the Indian Navy intercepted a Pakistani dhow near the Indo-Pak maritime border, uncovering a significant amount of heroin. This incident, along with others, prompted Indian authorities to significantly increase their vigil along the western coast.
