AHMEDABAD: In a major operation against an international narcotics trafficking network, the Indian Coast Guard, working in close coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has intercepted a suspected Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea and seized approximately 526 kg of narcotic substances, including heroin and methamphetamine.

The seized drugs are estimated to be worth more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market. Five Pakistani nationals allegedly involved in operating the vessel have also been apprehended in connection with the operation.

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According to information released regarding the operation, the action was carried out on September 25, 2026, following specific intelligence inputs about a suspected vessel involved in narcotics trafficking.

The Indian Coast Guard deployed coordinated maritime and aerial surveillance to track the suspicious dhow. After maintaining surveillance over the vessel, Coast Guard personnel pursued and intercepted it in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.

A subsequent search of the vessel led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of high-grade narcotics. The consignment reportedly included heroin and methamphetamine, with the total quantity estimated at around 526 kg.

Five Pakistani nationals found operating the vessel were taken into custody. The intercepted dhow, its crew and the seized narcotics were subsequently moved to Mumbai under security escort for further questioning and legal proceedings.

The operation involved coordination between multiple agencies and is being treated as a significant action against a suspected cross-border maritime drug-trafficking network.

The seizure also highlights the role of intelligence-based surveillance and inter-agency coordination in preventing illegal consignments from reaching the Indian mainland through maritime routes.

Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations to establish the source of the narcotics, the intended destination of the shipment and the wider network allegedly involved in the trafficking operation.

The Indian Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security across India’s maritime zones and taking action against illegal activities at sea. The operation also supports the broader national objective of combating drug trafficking and advancing the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.