In a major anti-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) intercepted an Iranian dhow named Azad near the Lakshadweep archipelago, seizing over 526 kg of high-grade contraband valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore. Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested as part of the joint operation.
Intelligence-Led Sea-Air Interception
The multi-agency maritime operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs gathered by the Gujarat ATS regarding a large drug consignment being smuggled into India via the southern maritime network.
Upon receiving actionable intelligence, the Indian Coast Guard deployed specialized surface vessels along with aerial surveillance aircraft to monitor the strategic waters off Lakshadweep. Following sustained sea-air tracking and a high-speed pursuit in international waters west of Lakshadweep, Coast Guard units executed a tactical boarding operation on the suspicious Iranian boat.
Details of the Seizure and Contraband
Upon searching the intercepted vessel, security personnel discovered a massive cache of illicit narcotics hidden inside sealed packages:
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Total Weight: Approximately 526 kilograms.
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Drug Composition: 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin.
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Estimated Market Value: Over Rs 3,000 crore in the international illicit drug trade.
Five Pakistani Nationals Arrested
Five crew members found operating the Iranian vessel were immediately detained by law enforcement officials. Initial investigation revealed that all five individuals are Pakistani nationals hailing from Peshawar, identified as:
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Mohammad Yakub Balochi
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Shakirullah
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Faridullah
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Ahmed Khan
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Wahidullah Khan
Smuggling Route and Transnational Linkages
Preliminary interrogations by security authorities revealed a complex, multi-nation smuggling network operating along maritime routes:
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Departure Point: The Iranian dhow, Azad, originally departed from the port of Konarak, Iran.
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Mid-Sea Transfer: The narcotics consignment was transferred onto the Azad in international waters from another feeder vessel that had sailed out of Gwadar, Pakistan.
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Target Destination: The contraband was intended to be offloaded onto smaller local boats near Indian coastal boundaries for distribution across mainland markets.
Ongoing Investigation
The intercepted boat and the five suspects have been escorted to Mumbai for further processing. A formal case is being registered by the Gujarat ATS. Joint interrogations involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard, and central security agencies are currently underway to trace the ultimate kingpins behind the trafficking network.
