In a major anti-drug operation, an Iranian boat carrying 500 kg of narcotics was intercepted off Gujarat’s Porbandar coast after a midnight operation by India’s Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The vessel, spotted near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), was escorted to Porbandar, where the suspects are currently detained and undergoing questioning.
Mid-Sea Chase and Capture
The boat entered Indian waters late Thursday night, drawing the attention of maritime surveillance systems as it neared the IMBL, the line dividing international waters. ATS and NCB officers swiftly moved in, resulting in the capture of the crew and seizure of the narcotics. Officials suspect that this consignment might have been destined for distribution networks in India.
Pakistan Connection Under Probe
Investigators are examining whether the drugs originated from Pakistan, a country often implicated in drug trafficking and alleged narcotics-fueled terror financing. Previous seizures of large drug consignments near Indian borders have hinted at possible links to Pakistan-based operations.
Gujarat: A Recurring Target in Drug Smuggling
Gujarat’s coastal regions have been frequent targets for drug smuggling operations, with recent massive busts raising concerns. Three weeks ago, narcotics valued at ₹250 crore were seized from Avsar Enterprise in Bharuch district, and in a prior high-profile case, drugs worth ₹5,000 crore were found at Aavkar Drugs Limited, also in Bharuch.
Intensified Surveillance and Further Action
Authorities are maintaining heightened surveillance along Gujarat’s sea routes, aware of the recurrent use of these passages for trafficking. Searches for additional suspect vessels and inbound consignments are underway as officials work to secure India’s coastline against narcotics inflow.
This incident underscores India’s vigilance on maritime drug trafficking and the challenges posed by organized drug smuggling rings exploiting coastal routes for illicit activities.
