The vessel was tracked using sea and air surveillance based on intelligence inputs. Photo: @IndiaCoastGuard
Coast Guard intercepts Iranian boat with 526 kg heroin, meth worth Rs 3,000Cr
Five Pakistani nationals were found aboard the vessel intercepted in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep in a joint operation with Gujarat ATS
The Coast Guard on Wednesday said it had intercepted an Iranian dhow (boat) carrying drugs worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
Five Pakistani nationals were found aboard the vessel, which was carrying 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Coast Guard. The operation was carried out jointly with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
Iranian dhow intercepted off Lakshadweep
“The intercepted dhow, crew, and seized contraband have been escorted under armed escort to Mumbai for joint interrogation and comprehensive multi-agency legal proceedings,” the Coast Guard said.
The vessel was tracked using sea and air surveillance based on intelligence inputs before Coast Guard personnel launched a pursuit and boarded it on September 25.
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“Executing precise sea-air surveillance based on actionable intelligence, Bharatiya Tatrakshak assets maintained unyielding tracking before initiating hot pursuit, neutralising the target, and boarding a suspicious Iranian dhow on 25 September 2026,” it said in a statement.
526 kg of heroin, methamphetamine seized
The seized narcotics were being taken to Mumbai along with the crew for questioning and further legal action by multiple agencies.
The Coast Guard said the operation was aimed at preventing illegal drugs from reaching the Indian mainland and disrupting networks involved in maritime smuggling.
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“By crippling the financial engine of hostile foreign syndicates and intercepting toxic synthetic substances before they reach mainland shores, this mission serves as a critical force multiplier to the government’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan,” stated the Coast Guard.
Bharatiya Tatrakshak remains fully postured to defend the nation's sea borders, shield the country's youth from the scourge of drugs, and uphold absolute security across the maritime domain,” it added.