In a major anti-narcotics breakthrough, the Indian Coast Guard, in joint coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, intercepted a high-speed boat carrying around 203 kilograms of suspected crystalline narcotic substance in the Arabian Sea near the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), officials said.
The high-seas operation was conducted overnight on February 16 after actionable and corroborated intelligence inputs were shared by Gujarat ATS regarding possible cross-border drug trafficking through maritime routes. Acting promptly on the alert, a Coast Guard ship deployed under the North West region for multi-mission patrol duties was diverted to intercept the suspected foreign fishing vessel.
High-Speed Chase After Suspect Boat Tried to Flee
Despite difficult sea and weather conditions, the Coast Guard vessel successfully located and tracked the suspect boat using a mix of human intelligence and advanced technical surveillance tools. When the occupants of the speedboat realised they were being monitored and pursued, they attempted to escape at high speed.
Coast Guard personnel responded with a coordinated chase operation and managed to intercept and board the vessel after a tactical pursuit, demonstrating rapid response capability and operational readiness in sensitive maritime zones.
203 Packets of Suspected Drug Substance Recovered
During the boarding and search operation, officials found two crew members onboard, both identified as foreign nationals. A detailed inspection of the boat resulted in the seizure of 203 packets, each weighing roughly one kilogram, containing a crystalline drug-like substance suspected to be illegal narcotics.
The intercepted vessel, the seized contraband, and the detained crew members have been escorted to Porbandar for further legal proceedings and investigation. Authorities have initiated laboratory testing and chemical analysis to determine the exact nature and purity of the recovered substance.
Maritime Smuggling Network Under Scanner
Security agencies believe the seizure could be linked to a larger transnational smuggling network operating through sea routes. Investigators are examining communication equipment, navigation data, and other materials recovered from the vessel to trace origin points and intended delivery destinations.
Officials said the successful joint operation underscores growing inter-agency coordination between maritime and state security units and highlights sustained vigilance along India’s maritime borders to curb narcotics trafficking and other illegal cross-border activities.
