According to the Coast Guard, the narcotics seized included high-grade methamphetamine and heroin.
Ahmedabad. The Indian Coast Guard has seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin worth over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea in a joint operation with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Officials gave this information on Wednesday. Five Pakistani nationals aboard the boat were also detained during the operation conducted near Lakshadweep on September 25, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
He said that based on intelligence, Coast Guard units conducted maritime and air surveillance and detected the suspicious boat. After this he was chased and searched on board the boat west of Lakshadweep. According to the Coast Guard, the seized narcotics included high-grade methamphetamine and heroin.
He said the boat, its crew and the seized drugs have been brought to Mumbai under armed security for questioning and further legal action. This operation was conducted in coordination with Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad. The state ATS has also confirmed the detention of five Pakistani nationals. ATS will give information to the media regarding the operation today.
The seizure comes at a time when security agencies are intensifying efforts to curb international drug trafficking through the sea route. The Coast Guard said the operation reflects its capability to monitor and prevent drug smuggling through sea routes and its commitment to curb illegal activities in India's maritime zones. The force said the seizure will help disrupt the financial networks of international drug gangs and prevent synthetic narcotics from reaching the country.