Massive Drug Bust in Arabian Sea: 526 Kg Heroin, Methamphetamine Seized

The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep on September 25 following intelligence inputs. After conducting sea and air surveillance and tracking the suspicious vessel, Coast Guard personnel launched a pursuit and boarded the boat.

During the operation, officials recovered 526 kg of narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine, with an estimated international market value of more than ₹3,000 crore. Five Pakistani nationals who were operating the vessel were also detained. The vessel, its crew and the seized contraband were brought to Mumbai under armed escort for joint interrogation and further multi-agency legal proceedings. Authorities are examining the suspected links to transnational drug-trafficking networks.