ICG seizes ₹5 crore foreign cigarettes from boat off Gujarat coast; four Iranian crew held

Dwarka: The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a suspicious foreign vessel inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 115 nautical miles west of Dwarka, on February 21.

According to an official statement, the vessel identified as Al Mukhtar was manned by four Iranian crew members. During a search operation, Coast Guard personnel discovered 200 cartons containing nearly one lakh packets of foreign-brand cigarettes concealed inside the boat’s holds.

The estimated international market value of the seized consignment is between ₹2.5 crore and ₹5 crore.

The intercepted vessel has been escorted to Porbandar for further investigation. Authorities said a joint interrogation will be conducted in coordination with relevant stakeholders to ascertain the origin and intended destination of the consignment.

Further details are awaited as the probe continues. DeshGujarat