NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on suspected transnational narcotics trafficking, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), working jointly with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea and seized around 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine estimated to be worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.
Five Pakistani nationals allegedly operating the vessel were arrested during the operation and have been escorted to Mumbai, where multiple agencies are questioning them as part of a wider investigation into the suspected international drug-smuggling network.
🚨 HUGE: Indian Coast Guard & Gujarat ATS ARRESTED 5 Pakistanis 🔥
– 526 kg heroin & methamphetamine worth over ₹3,000 crore SEIZED. 🤯
– All 5 Pakistani nationals ESCORTED to Mumbai for questioning. pic.twitter.com/4XU0sn9U84
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 30, 2026
Iranian dhow intercepted after intelligence input
The operation was carried out on September 25, 2026, following actionable intelligence regarding the movement of a suspicious vessel in the Arabian Sea.
According to the information available, the Coast Guard deployed a coordinated sea-and-air surveillance operation to track the Iranian-flagged dhow as it moved west of Lakshadweep.
The Coast Guard subsequently launched a hot pursuit and intercepted the vessel before boarding it. A detailed search reportedly led to the recovery of a massive consignment of narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine.
#WATCH | The Indian Coast Guard, operating in coordination with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Gujarat, successfully thwarted a major maritime narcotics-smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. Acting on actionable intelligence, the Indian Coast Guard assets… pic.twitter.com/bMLZFuZUJN
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2026
Five Pakistani nationals taken into custody
The five Pakistani nationals found aboard the dhow were taken into custody following the interception. The vessel, its crew and the seized narcotics were subsequently escorted under armed security to Mumbai, where the suspects are being questioned by multiple agencies.
Investigators are examining the suspected trafficking chain, including the source of the narcotics, their intended destination, possible recipients and the larger network allegedly coordinating the operation.
The identities of the five arrested individuals have not been disclosed so far. Authorities have also not released details establishing where the narcotics were loaded or where the consignment was allegedly headed.
Narcotics worth more than Rs 3,000 crore
The seized drugs have been estimated to have an international market value exceeding Rs 3,000 crore, stating the scale of the suspected trafficking operation. There have been differing reports regarding the exact quantity seized, with some accounts putting the figure at around 510 kg, while reports citing the seizure as 526 kg have also emerged.
The recovered consignment reportedly consists of heroin and methamphetamine, two high-value narcotics that are frequently targeted in international trafficking investigations.
Multi-agency probe now underway
The interception has triggered a wider investigation involving multiple agencies.
Investigators are expected to focus on establishing whether the dhow was part of an organised transnational trafficking network and identifying the individuals or syndicates allegedly behind the movement of the narcotics.
The arrested crew members are being jointly interrogated, while the seized vessel and narcotics form key evidence in the investigation. Officials have not yet disclosed whether further arrests or seizures are expected.
Coast Guard steps up maritime surveillance
The operation comes amid continued efforts by Indian agencies to prevent narcotics from entering the country through maritime routes.
The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS have previously conducted joint operations resulting in major drug seizures. Coast Guard records include a 307.5-kg narcotics seizure in April 2025 during a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS.
The latest interception further highlights the role of maritime surveillance in detecting vessels suspected of being involved in cross-border narcotics trafficking. The ICG described such operations as a means of disrupting the financial networks allegedly supporting transnational narco-smuggling syndicates.
The force has also linked its continued enforcement efforts with the government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, while reiterating its focus on securing India’s maritime borders.
