Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS seize 203 kg suspected narcotics near IMBL

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted a speed boat carrying approximately 203 kilograms of suspected crystalline drug-like substance in the Arabian Sea near the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

The operation was carried out overnight on February 16, following specific and corroborated intelligence inputs shared by the Gujarat ATS. Acting swiftly on the information, an Indian Coast Guard ship deployed under Coast Guard Region (North West) for multi-mission operations was immediately diverted to intercept a foreign fishing vessel suspected of involvement in illicit drug trafficking.

Despite challenging maritime conditions, the Coast Guard ship successfully tracked and identified the suspect vessel using a combination of human intelligence and advanced technical surveillance systems. On realising it was being pursued, the speedboat attempted to flee. However, demonstrating high operational preparedness, the Coast Guard unit gave chase and intercepted the vessel.

Upon boarding, officials found that the boat was manned by two crew members of foreign nationality. A detailed search of the vessel led to the recovery of 203 packets, each weighing approximately one kilogram, containing a crystalline substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.

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The intercepted boat, along with the seized contraband and the two crew members, has been brought to Porbandar for further investigation. Authorities have initiated a detailed chemical analysis of the seized substance to confirm its composition.

The successful interception highlights the continued vigilance and coordination between maritime security agencies in preventing cross-border smuggling and safeguarding India’s maritime boundaries.