Porbandar, Feb 17: In a swift overnight operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted a speed boat carrying 203 kilograms of a crystalline substance suspected to be narcotics off the Gujarat coast.
The intelligence-based operation was launched late on February 16 after the Gujarat ATS provided corroborated inputs regarding a foreign fishing vessel allegedly engaged in drug smuggling near the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Acting on the tip-off, an ICG ship deployed under Coast Guard Region (North West) was diverted to intercept the suspect vessel at sea.
Despite challenging conditions and near-total darkness, Coast Guard personnel located the boat using a combination of human intelligence and technical surveillance systems. On spotting the approaching patrol ship, the suspect vessel attempted to flee toward the IMBL.
After a pursuit at sea, the Coast Guard successfully chased down and stopped the speed boat. Upon boarding, officials found two crew members of foreign nationality onboard. A thorough search of the vessel led to the recovery of 203 packets, each weighing approximately one kilogram, containing a crystalline substance suspected to be illicit drugs.
The intercepted boat has been escorted to Porbandar for further investigation. Authorities said the seized substance will undergo detailed chemical analysis to confirm its composition.
Officials highlighted that the coordinated efforts between the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS have resulted in multiple successful law enforcement operations in recent years. The latest seizure underscores continued inter-agency synergy aimed at strengthening coastal security and curbing maritime smuggling activities.
