Joint operation in Arabian Sea leads to interception of Iranian dhow and arrest of five Pakistani nationals
Ahmedabad, Sept 2026 : The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has intercepted a suspected maritime narcotics smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea and seized around 526 kg of high-grade contraband valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore in international markets, officials said.
The operation was carried out west of Lakshadweep on September 25 following actionable intelligence about a suspected drug-smuggling vessel. The Coast Guard deployed sea and air surveillance assets to track the vessel before launching a coordinated interception operation.
According to the ICG, its personnel maintained continuous surveillance of the suspected vessel and subsequently initiated a hot pursuit. The forces then boarded an Iranian dhow suspected of being involved in the trafficking operation.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 526 kg of narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine. Officials estimated the value of the seized contraband at more than Rs 3,000 crore in international markets.
Five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel were also apprehended during the operation, officials said.
The Coast Guard described the action as a coordinated maritime interdiction targeting an international narcotics-smuggling network. It said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-based surveillance and coordination between maritime security agencies and the Gujarat ATS.
Following the interception, the seized dhow, its crew and the recovered contraband were brought under armed escort to Mumbai. They were taken there for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings involving multiple agencies.
The seizure comes amid continuing efforts by Indian security and law-enforcement agencies to prevent narcotics from entering the country through maritime routes. Agencies have increasingly relied on intelligence inputs, aerial surveillance and coordinated sea operations to detect suspicious vessels operating in Indian maritime zones.
The ICG said the latest operation reflected its continued focus on preventing illicit activities at sea and disrupting networks involved in the trafficking of narcotics.
It also linked the seizure to the broader national objective of combating drug abuse under the government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The Coast Guard said intercepting narcotics before they reach the mainland can help disrupt the financial networks supporting international drug syndicates while preventing potentially harmful substances from reaching communities.
Further investigation and questioning of the apprehended crew are expected to establish the source, intended destination and wider network associated with the seized consignment. Multi-agency authorities will conduct the subsequent legal proceedings, officials said.
