'Breathtaking overnight operation': Pakistani boat carrying Rs 600 crore drugs intercepted off Gujarat coast

AHMEDABAD: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a successful anti-narcotics operation at sea on Sunday as they seized a Pakistani boat carrying approximately 86 kg of narcotics, estimated to be worth Rs 600 crore, said coast guard officers.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 14 crew members. This was a joint operation of the Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

During the operation, various ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard were on active duty to ensure the success of the mission.

The ICG ship Rajratan, with NCB and ATS officials on board, identified the suspect boat despite its attempts to escape. The expert team on the ICG ship boarded the Pakistani boat and after a detailed search, confirmed the presence of a large quantity of narcotics.

The apprehended boat and its crew are now being escorted to Porbandar for further investigation.

This operation marks the eleventh successful joint operation by the ICG and ATS in the past three years, showcasing their dedication and effectiveness in combating illegal activities and protecting national interests, said a statement by the ICG.

This is the second big operation against the illicit drug mafia within two days.

On Saturday, the Gujarat ATS and NCB jointly busted three mephedrone labs — at Piplaj on the outskirts of Gandhinagar, in Amreli and at Lotiwara in Sirohi district of Rajasthan — and arrested 13 people. They also seized mephedrone with a street value of Rs 230 crore.