₹3,000 crore drugs seized from Iranian boat in Arabian Sea; 5 Pakistan nationals detained
The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad intercepted an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea, seizing 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin valued at ₹3,000 crore. Five Pakistani nationals were detained during the operation and transported to Mumbai for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Why it matters
This significant seizure highlights the ongoing challenges of transnational maritime drug trafficking and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-led surveillance in securing India's maritime borders.
The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, has seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin valued at more than ₹3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea, officials said on Wednesday (September 30, 2026).
Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were also detained in the operation carried out near Lakshadweep on September 25, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
Based on intelligence inputs, Coast Guard assets carried out sea-air surveillance and tracked the suspicious dhow before launching a hot pursuit and boarding it west of Lakshadweep, it said.
The seized contraband comprised high-grade methamphetamine and heroin, the Coast Guard said.
The vessel, its crew and the seized drugs were brought to Mumbai under armed escort for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings, it said.
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