₹3,000 Crore Drugs Seized From Iranian Boat, 5 Pakistani Nationals Held

The Indian Coast Guard has seized drugs worth more than ₹3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea. Five Pakistani nationals were also arrested during the operation.

₹3,000 Crore Drugs Seized in Arabian Sea

The operation took place on September 25. The Coast Guard intercepted an Iranian dhow named Azad west of Lakshadweep.

The operation was carried out with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and central agencies. The Coast Guard tracked the boat through sea and air surveillance before boarding it.

526 Kg Heroin and Methamphetamine Recovered

Officials said the seizure included around 526 kg of narcotics. The consignment contained heroin and methamphetamine.

The drugs were valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market. The boat and the seized drugs were later taken to Mumbai for further investigation.

Five Pakistani Nationals Arrested

Five Pakistani nationals were found aboard the Iranian vessel. They were arrested during the operation.

The agencies are now questioning the crew. Investigators are also working to identify the wider network behind the suspected smuggling operation.

Investigation Into Drug Network Underway

The Coast Guard said the operation lasted 16 days. Officials are investigating where the drugs were supposed to go and who was meant to receive them.

The seizure is the fourth drug haul by the Coast Guard this year, according to Hindustan Times. Further investigation will focus on the people and vessels linked to the suspected network.

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