In a coordinated operation by the Gujarat ATS, the Indian Coast Guard, and the NCB, at least six Pakistanis were detained with narcotics valued at Rs 480 crore. The apprehension occurred in Porbandar, Gujarat.
According to the NCB, during a joint night-time operation on 11th-12th March, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani boat carrying six crew members and approximately 80 kg of narcotics worth around Rs 480 crore.
“The boat was apprehended around 350 kilometres from Porbandar in the Arabian Sea, as part of a sea-air coordinated action involving ICG ships and Dornier aircraft,” they reported.
On Monday, 11th March 2024, the Indian Coast Guard strategically positioned its ships in the Arabian Sea based on specific intelligence from agencies, as stated in the official statement.
ICG also deployed its Dornier aircraft to scan and locate the boat in potential locations.
After an extensive search of the region, ICG Ships, along with NCB and ATS Gujarat teams, reached the location and positively identified the boat behaving suspiciously in the dark.
Upon confrontation by ICG ships, the boat initiated evasive manoeuvres but was successfully pursued and compelled to stop. “The boarding crew promptly boarded the ship for initial inspections and investigations.”
"The operation showcased well-coordinated efforts between ICG, NCB, and ATS Gujarat," stated the NCB.
"This marks the tenth apprehension by ICG, in collaboration with ATS Gujarat and NCB, in the last three years, totalling 517 kg of narcotics valued at Rs 3,135 crore."
This incident represents the second significant narcotics seizure off the Gujarat coast in the past 30 days, marking the largest drug capture in the Indian subcontinent.
On 28th February, at least 3,300 kg of cocaine were seized from a boat crewed by suspected Pakistanis off the Gujarat coast. The international market value of these substances exceeded Rs 2,000 crore.
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