The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad have intercepted an Iranian boat west of Lakshadweep, recovering around 526 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market, officials said.
Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were detained. The interception took place on September 25, while details of the operation were made public on Wednesday, September 30.
At a glance
- Location: Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
- Recovery: Around 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine.
- Estimated value: More than ₹3,000 crore.
- Detentions: Five Pakistani nationals.
- Operation date: September 25, 2026.
Intelligence inputs led to surveillance and interception
According to the Coast Guard’s account, intelligence inputs prompted surveillance from the sea and air. Units tracked the suspicious dhow before pursuing and boarding it in an operation coordinated with Gujarat ATS.
The recovery included heroin and methamphetamine described by officials as high-grade contraband. The ₹3,000 crore figure represents an estimated international-market valuation.
Indian Coast Guard’s official update
Read the Indian Coast Guard’s official update on this operation.
View the official post by Indian Coast Guard on X
Vessel and crew brought to Mumbai
The intercepted boat, the five detained crew members and the seized drugs were escorted to Mumbai under armed guard for joint questioning and further legal proceedings involving multiple agencies.
The publicly available accounts reviewed for this report do not establish the consignment’s final destination or identify its intended recipients. Those details remain to be clarified through the investigation.
Why the seizure matters
The Coast Guard said the interception would help disrupt international narcotics networks and prevent drugs from reaching mainland shores. The operation also illustrates how intelligence sharing and surveillance can support action against suspected smuggling at sea.
Identifying the people behind the shipment and its intended distribution chain will be central to understanding the wider network. The reported nationality of the crew and origin of the vessel do not, by themselves, establish involvement by either country’s government.
