MUMBAI: In a massive blow to international drug syndicates, the Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), intercepted an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea and seized a staggering 526 kilograms of high-grade narcotics valued at more than ₹3,000 crore. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained during the high-seas operation.

According to officials, the operation was executed west of Lakshadweep following precise intelligence inputs. Acting on the tip-off, the Indian Coast Guard deployed its surface and air surveillance assets to track down the suspicious Iranian dhow. After establishing its location, security forces launched a swift hot pursuit, successfully intercepting and boarding the vessel.

The seized contraband comprised approximately 526 kg of high-grade synthetic drugs and narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine, which carry an estimated international market value exceeding ₹3,000 crore.

Given the sensitivity of the operation and security protocols, the intercepted dhow, along with the detained crew and the massive drug haul, was brought under heavy armed escort to Mumbai. The accused individuals and the seized materials are slated to undergo joint interrogation by multiple security and intelligence agencies ahead of formal legal proceedings.

The Gujarat ATS, which closely coordinated the intelligence sharing and execution of the raid, noted that this interception marks a critical milestone in dismantling transnational maritime drug trafficking networks. Security experts believe that blocking this multi-crore shipment will severely disrupt the financial lifelines of global drug cartels attempting to funnel synthetic drugs into the Indian mainland.

Law enforcement agencies continue to maintain heightened surveillance across India's maritime zones as part of ongoing campaigns to curb cross-border illicit smuggling.