High-Seas Takedown: Indian Coast Guard Seizes ₹3,000-Crore Narcotics Cache in Arabian Sea Drama

In a joint intelligence-driven operation west of Lakshadweep, authorities intercepted an Iranian dhow, arrested five Pakistani nationals, and confiscated over 500 kg of heroin and methamphetamine.

In one of the most significant maritime counter-narcotics strikes in recent years, the Indian Coast Guard (Bharatiya Tatrakshak), working in tandem with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has dismantled a major transnational smuggling attempt, seizing contraband valued at over ₹3,000 crore on the international market.

The operation, executed on September 25, unfolded across the high seas west of Lakshadweep after actionable intelligence triggered a coordinated sea-air surveillance effort. Coast Guard units tracked and initiated hot pursuit of a suspicious Iranian dhow navigating the Arabian Sea corridor, successfully boarding and neutralizing the vessel before the cargo could reach its destination.

Authorities confiscated approximately 526 kilograms of illicit substances from the dhow, consisting primarily of high-grade heroin and methamphetamine. Five Pakistani crew members were apprehended on board.

The intercepted dhow, its crew, and the narcotics cache were brought to Mumbai under armed escort. A comprehensive multi-agency investigation and joint interrogation are now underway to map out the syndicate’s broader logistics network and financial trail.

Officials stated that the operation strikes a severe blow against transnational narco-terrorism networks seeking to route illicit financing through maritime channels, aligning with the Union Government’s ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan aimed at choking off drug trafficking routes into the country.