The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with ATS Gujarat, successfully seized around 118 kg of cocaine during a major anti-smuggling operation conducted off the coast of Mundra during the night of May 25 and May 26.
Officials said the intelligence-based joint operation led to the interception of a suspicious vessel and the recovery of multiple bags containing narcotics with an estimated international market value of nearly Rs 1,150 crore.
Vessel Intercepted Near Mundra Anchorage
Speaking about the operation, Gujarat Director General of Police KLN Rao confirmed that the operation involved intercepting a vessel at the outer anchorage of Mundra Port.
According to investigators, six bags containing the contraband were discovered during the operation.
Officials revealed that the vessel had travelled through a long international maritime route before reaching the Gujarat coast.
“The ship had reached here after crossing Brazil, Latin American countries, Mexico, US and Karachi,” DGP Rao stated.
International Drug Delivery Network Suspected
Police officials said two foreign nationals allegedly transported the narcotics consignment onboard the vessel for delivery to a Tanzanian national and a Ugandan national based in Delhi.
Investigators suspect the seizure may be linked to a larger international drug trafficking network operating across multiple countries and maritime routes.
Suspicious Bags Thrown Into Sea
Acting on specific intelligence shared by ATS Gujarat, interceptor boats of the Indian Coast Guard, carrying ATS personnel onboard, launched an extensive search operation near Mundra anchorage.
During surveillance, authorities observed suspicious activity onboard the container vessel identified as MV Europe, which was anchored nearly five nautical miles off the Mundra coast.
Officials said several bags were allegedly thrown overboard from the vessel under cover of darkness.
The joint ICG and ATS team immediately moved to the location and recovered five bags from the sea despite difficult low-visibility conditions during the night operation.
Cocaine Confirmed During Examination
Upon examination, the recovered bags were found to contain packets of white powder that later tested positive for cocaine.
Authorities estimated the seized narcotics to be worth nearly Rs 1,150 crore in the international illegal drug market.
Following the seizure, the vessel was escorted to port for detailed investigation and forensic examination.
Three Detained, Probe Underway
Officials confirmed that three individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the operation.
“Three people have been taken into custody. Interrogation is underway,” DGP Rao said.
Investigators also seized a high-communication satellite phone and an Apple tracking tag from the accused, which officials believe may provide further clues regarding the smuggling network and intended recipients.
Joint investigations involving the Indian Coast Guard, ATS Gujarat and other central agencies are currently underway to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the narcotics smuggling operation.
Major Maritime Anti-Smuggling Operation
The seizure is being seen as one of the significant maritime narcotics interceptions along the western coast in recent months.
Security agencies have intensified coastal surveillance amid concerns over the increasing use of international shipping routes and maritime channels for narcotics trafficking into India.
Officials believe the successful operation highlights growing coordination between coastal security agencies and intelligence units in tackling transnational smuggling networks.
