Statement on apprehension of suspicious boat by Navy and Coast Guard

New Delhi

Following is the full text of statement issued on apprehension of suspicious boat in North Arabian sea by IN and ICG:

In a closely coordinated operation undertaken by the IN and ICG, a boat carrying a large quantity of narcotics was apprehended in international waters, off the coast of Gujarat on 20 April 15.

The operation also resulted in the apprehension of eight Pakistani nationals manning the boat.

The operation was launched on 18 Apr 15, based on intelligence inputs, and was conducted in close coordination by Headquarters Western Naval Command and the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North West).

Multiple units from the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed for the operation, which included IN ships Nirghat, Kondul along with ICGS Sangram.

The search was augmented by extensive aerial searches undertaken by Naval and Coast Guard aircraft, including Dorniers, IL38 and P8Is. In a display of seamless coordination, the suspect boat was intercepted by ICGS Sangram in the wee hours of 20 Apr 15, and thereafter, apprehended later in the morning, whilst IN Ship Kondul provided support to the entire evolution.

The initial investigations by Sangram have led to recovery of 232 packets of narcotics (suspected to be heroin and worth up to Rs. 600 Crores in the international markets).

Additionally, satellite communication phones and Global Positioning Systems, being used to facilitate transhipment of the contraband to another boat were also confiscated.

The apprehended boat is being brought to Porbandar for further investigations by law enforcement authorities.

– DeshGujarat