Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 30 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday lauded the seizure of 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea, saying the Centre was determined to protect the country’s youth from drugs.
Shah said the narcotics were seized in a joint operation involving the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Indian Coast Guard and central intelligence agencies. Five Pakistani nationals onboard the vessel were also arrested.
"Modi govt. is determined to shield its youth from the scourge of drugs. In a joint operation by Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard and Central intelligence agencies, 526 kg of Methamphetamine and Heroin has been seized from an Iranian boat in India’s EEZ, 160 NM northwest of Lakshadweep and 490 NM southwest of Mumbai," Shah said in a post on X.
He said the five Pakistani nationals had been arrested and further investigation was underway to identify the wider network involved in the suspected drug-smuggling operation and its intended receivers.
Shah also highlighted the coordination between the agencies involved, stating, "Five Pakistani nationals have been arrested, with further investigation underway to identify the wider network and its intended receivers. Upholding a stellar example of coordination and cooperation among agencies the 16 day long operation also seized an Iranian boat."
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the operation was carried out on September 25 based on actionable intelligence. Coast Guard personnel conducted coordinated sea and air surveillance before tracking the suspicious vessel and launching a hot pursuit.
The personnel subsequently boarded the Iranian dhow and seized the narcotics, officials said.
The vessel, apprehended crew and contraband were later escorted to Mumbai under armed security for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings.
The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.
The operation was conducted in coordination with Gujarat ATS as part of efforts to detect and disrupt suspected transnational maritime drug-smuggling networks.
The latest seizure comes amid continued efforts by Indian maritime and law enforcement agencies to prevent narcotics from being smuggled through sea routes.
Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and identify the intended recipients of the seized consignment.