Okha: In a joing operation with Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat Police, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended Iranian boat with 5 crew members aboard and 61 kg narcotics in their possession worth Rs. 425 crore within Indian waters at Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast. Boat is being brought to Okha port for further investigation. DeshGujarat

Another major operation by Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard; a foreign boat with 5 crew and Rs. 425 crore narcotics captured in sea https://t.co/sWxue1UyG2 pic.twitter.com/3T12AfbYC7

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) March 6, 2023

An official note:

Indian Coast Guard (ICG), based on an intelligence input by ATS Gujarat, has apprehended an Iranian Boat with 05 crew in Indian waters carrying 61 kgs of Heroin worth Rs. 425 crores.

On Monday, 06 March 2023, on a specific intelligence input by ATS, ICG strategically deployed its two Fast Patrol class of ships, ICGS Meera Behn and ICGS Abheek for patrolling in Arabian Sea.

During dark hours, a boat was observed moving suspiciously in Indian waters approx. 340 Kms (190 miles) off Okha coast. On being challenged by ICG Ships, the boat started evasive manoeuvring. The boat was then chased and forced to stop by ICG ships. The boat was found to be an Iranian boat with five crew of Iranian nationality. During investigation by ICG boarding team, the crew were found to be behaving suspiciously. After extensive rummaging, approx. 61 Kgs of narcotics worth Rs 425 crores was found in the boat. The boat alongwith crew has been apprehended and is being brought to Okha for further investigation.

In last eighteen months, ICG in coordination with ATS has apprehended eight foreign vessels and seized 407 Kgs narcotics worth Rs. 2355.00 Crores. (PIB)