In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted a speedboat 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 conducted overnight on February 16 following specific and corroborated intelligence inputs shared by the Gujarat ATS. Acting swiftly, a Coast Guard ship deployed under Coast Guard Region (North West) for multi-mission operations was diverted to intercept a foreign fishing vessel suspected of involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
Despite challenging sea conditions, the Coast Guard vessel tracked and identified the suspect boat using a combination of human intelligence and advanced surveillance systems. Upon realising it was being pursued, the speedboat attempted to flee. However, the Coast Guard unit successfully chased and intercepted the vessel, demonstrating high operational readiness.
During boarding operations, officials discovered that the boat was manned by two crew members of foreign nationality. A thorough search led to the recovery of 203 packets, each weighing approximately one kilogram, containing a crystalline substance suspected to be narcotics.
The intercepted vessel, along with the seized contraband and the two detained crew members, has been brought to Porbandar for further investigation. Authorities have initiated chemical analysis to confirm the exact composition of the seized material.
