AMN / WEB DESK
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a joint operation seized an Indian fishing boat in the Arabian Sea carrying 173 kg of narcotics and arrested two perpetrators on board.
Acting on specific and credible intelligence provided by ATS Gujarat, ICG strategically deployed its assets ensuring comprehensive surveillance to intercept the suspected boat. Subsequent investigations upon intercepting the boat confirmed the accuracy of the intelligence inputs, establishing the involvement of the fishing boat and its two perpetrators in smuggling drugs. Further investigation into the crew’s involvement is underway.
The operation marked the twelfth such seizure by the ICG in the last three years, including recent detention of a Pakistani fishing boat with a substantial quantity of drugs on board, highlighting the commitment of both agencies to safeguard the maritime borders and combating illicit activities at sea.
ICG seizes 86kg narcotics worth Rs 600 crore and apprehends 14 crew members of the Pakistani Vessel
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in collaboration with the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), seized 86 kg of narcotics valued @ Rs 600 cr and apprehended 14 crew members from the Pakistani vessel in a meticulously planned anti-narcotics operation at sea on April 28, 2024.
The ICG ship Rajratan, equipped with ATS and NCB officials, positively identified the suspect boat despite attempts to evade detection. The swift response of the Rajratan, supported by a fleet of ships and aircraft on concurrent missions, left no room for escape for the drug-laden vessel. The ship’s specialist team embarked on the suspect boat and after thorough checks, confirmed the presence of a sizeable amount of narcotics. The crew and the vessel are currently being escorted to Porbandar for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The jointness of ICG and ATS, which has led to eleven such successful law enforcement operations in the last three years reaffirms the synergy for national objectives.