The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in collaboration with Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have seized 86 kg of narcotics valued at Rs 600 cr from a Pakistani vessel. The boat was on its way to Sri Lanka via Tamil Nadu. Fourteen crew members from the Pakistani vessel were also held in the operation conducted on Sunday. The crew and the vessel have been escorted to Porbandar for further investigation and legal proceedings.
In a statement, the Indian Coast Guard said on Sunday that the anti-narcotics operation took place at sea. “Approximately 86 kg of narcotics worth Rs 600 crore has been apprehended along with 14 crew members from the Pakistani boat.”
“The operation was an epitome of inter-agency coordination wherein Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat Police and Operations Branch of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) collaborated seamlessly, which culminated in the successful operation,” the ICG added.
This is the third operation in the Sagarmanthan series that has been launched with the aim of interdicting ships carrying narcotics contraband. Sagarmanthan is a series of maritime operations, launched by the NCB in conjunction with the Indian Navy which is aimed at cracking down on anti-drug operations. It was sanctioned by Prime Minister Modi.
The first operation under the Sagarmanthan series was carried out in February, which led to the highest offshore seizure of 3,300 kg of drugs. It was also a joint operation of the Indian Navy, NCB, and Gujarat police. Similarly, 62 kg of narcotics had been seized in Sagarmanthan-II in March.
(With inputs from agencies)
