Indian Coast Guard, ATS Gujarat, and NCB Collaborate to Apprehend Pakistani Boat with Narcotics Worth ₹480 Crore
Desk Report, March 13, 2024: In a meticulously executed anti-narcotics mission, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with ATS Gujarat and NCB, intercepted a Pakistani boat in the Arabian Sea during the nights of March 11 and 12, 2024. Acting on actionable intelligence, the ICG thwarted the illicit activities of the vessel, which was carrying six crew members and a substantial narcotics haul valued at approximately Rs 480 crore.
The operation, conducted about 350 Km from Porbandar, showcased seamless coordination between ICG ships and Dornier Aircraft in a sea-air collaborative effort. The joint undertaking, involving ICG, NCB, and ATS Gujarat, demonstrated a unified front against the narcotics trade.
Specific intelligence inputs prompted the strategic deployment of ICG ships in the Arabian Sea on Monday, March 11, 2024. Complementing the maritime assets, ICG’s Dornier aircraft meticulously scanned and pinpointed the suspicious vessel’s location.
Upon positively identifying the boat’s irregular movements in the dark, ICG Ships, accompanied by teams from NCB and ATS Gujarat, swiftly closed in on the target. Despite the boat’s attempts at evasive maneuvers, the ICG ships skillfully pursued and compelled it to halt.
Following the interception, a dedicated boarding team conducted preliminary checks and investigations on the vessel. The findings revealed that the boat, of Pakistani origin, harbored six crew members and approximately 80 Kg of narcotics, valued at an astonishing Rs 480 crore.
The detained boat, along with its crew, is now en route to Porbandar for further investigation. The successful collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Indian security agencies to curbing illicit activities at sea, ensuring the safety of maritime borders. Indian Coast Guard’s proactive stance and strategic coordination have once again proven pivotal in safeguarding the nation’s interests and maintaining maritime security.
