In a major operation conducted in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a Pakistani boat carrying a significant quantity of narcotics valued at approximately Rs 600 crore. The operation, conducted overnight on April 28, 2024, was a result of meticulous planning and collaboration between the ICG, Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
As per the official Press release, a Pakistani boat, was apprehended west of Porbandar, was found to be carrying 86 kilograms of contraband. This successful interception follows a previous operation last month, which resulted in the seizure of 80 kilograms of drugs. Described as a “breathtaking overnight operation” by the ICG, the mission was intelligence-driven and aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region.
Anti #Narco #Operations @IndiaCoastGuard Ship Rajratan with #ATS #Gujarat & #NCB @narcoticsbureau in an overnight sea – air coordinated joint ops apprehends #Pakistani boat in Arabian Sea, West of #Porbandar with 14 Pak crew & @86 Kg contraband worth approx ₹ 600Cr in… pic.twitter.com/N49LfrYLzz
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) April 28, 2024
Deploying ships and aircraft on concurrent missions, the ICG ensured the efficiency of the operation. The ICG ship Rajratan, equipped with officials from both the NCB and ATS, played a crucial role in identifying and intercepting the suspect boat. Despite attempts by the Pakistani vessel to evade capture, the vigilant ICG ship successfully thwarted its efforts.
Upon interception, a specialised team from the Rajratan conducted a thorough search of the Pakistani boat, confirming the presence of narcotics onboard. Subsequently, the vessel and its 14 crew members were detained for further investigation. The seised contraband, along with the apprehended crew, is being brought to Porbandar for legal proceedings.
The ICG, along with its partner agencies, remains vigilant and proactive in safeguarding India’s maritime borders and preventing illegal activities at sea.
