CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: New Delhi. The Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad have seized 526 kg of narcotics from an Iranian boat in a major operation in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep. The seized material includes heroin and high-quality methamphetamine. According to officials, its value in the international market is estimated at more than ₹3,000 crore.
Officials said the operation was carried out on September 25 on the basis of intelligence inputs. The Coast Guard tracked the suspicious boat through maritime and aerial surveillance. It was then chased, intercepted and searched. During the operation, five Pakistani nationals on board the boat were detained.
The Coast Guard brought the boat, its crew and the seized narcotics to Mumbai under security cover, where joint questioning and further legal proceedings are under way. Investigating agencies are trying to determine where the narcotics were brought from and where they were to be delivered.
The operation is being seen as a major action against drug smuggling through the Arabian Sea maritime route. According to officials, the investigation is expected to reveal details about possible international networks linked to the smuggling and the role of others involved. The role of the five detained persons is also being examined.
Hashtags: #NationalIndia #Bhopal #Lakshadweep #IndianCoastGuard #GujaratATS #ArabianSea #DrugSeizure #DeskSource #IranianBoat #Heroin
