Massive Mid-Sea Drug Bust: Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS Seize 526 kg Narcotics Worth ₹3,000 Crore Near Lakshadweep; 5 Pakistani Crew Detained

NEW DELHI / KOCHI (Kalinga Darpan/Rohit Kumar Nial):

In one of the most significant counter-narcotics operations in Indian waters, a coordinated joint mission by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) intercepted an Iranian boat near the Lakshadweep archipelago, seizing 526 kilograms of high-grade illicit drugs.

​The seized contraband carries an estimated value of ₹3,000 crore in the international narcotics market.

​The Interception:

​Acting on actionable, pinpoint intelligence generated by the Gujarat ATS regarding a mid-sea consignment transiting through international maritime routes into Indian waters, the Indian Coast Guard mobilized high-speed offshore patrol assets to monitor the sector off Lakshadweep.

​The suspect vessel—an Iranian-origin motorized dhow—was tracked, cornered, and boarded by specialized maritime commandos despite rough sea conditions and resistance attempts.

​Contraband and Detentions:

​A thorough shipboard search revealed 526 kilograms of packaged narcotics concealed inside strategically built false compartments within the vessel's hull.

​Five crew members, all identified as Pakistani nationals, were taken into custody onboard the vessel. The crew and the impounded boat are being escorted to a coastal facility for formal booking, multi-agency interrogation, and forensic chemical analysis of the seized substances.

​Smuggling Routes Under Scrutiny:

​Initial assessments indicate that the shipment was part of the notorious "Southern Route" of maritime narcotics trafficking originating from the Makran coast, intended for transit through the Indian Ocean toward regional distribution hubs. Central intelligence agencies, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and state maritime wings have joined the investigation to uncover the broader cartel nexus, local receiving links, and potential narco-terror angles.

​Further details are awaited as search and interrogation operations continue.