2 days ago
Indian Agencies Seize ₹3,000 Crore Drugs, Arrest Five Pakistanis
Indian agencies stopped a boat suspected of carrying illegal drugs.
The boat was an Iranian dhow sailing in the Arabian Sea.
The Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and central intelligence agencies worked together.
They arrested five Pakistani crew members.
Officials found 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin.
The drugs were estimated to be worth more than ₹3,000 crore.
The boat was tracked before officers chased and boarded it.
The boat and its cargo were taken to Mumbai so investigators could find the drugs’ source, destination and wider network.
The Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and central intelligence agencies arrested five Pakistani nationals.
Authorities seized 526 kilograms of high-grade methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian dhow.
The contraband was valued at more than ₹3,000 crore.
The seizure occurred on September 25 after a 16-day sea-and-air surveillance operation west of Lakshadweep.
The vessel, crew and drugs were escorted to Mumbai for interrogation and legal proceedings.
- Who
- The Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and central intelligence agencies arrested five Pakistani nationals.
- What
- Authorities seized 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian boat.
- Where
- The operation occurred in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, west of Lakshadweep, about 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep and 490 nautical miles southwest of Mumbai.
- When
- The seizure took place on September 25, after a 16-day operation; officials announced details on September 30, 2026.
- Why
- The operation targeted suspected transnational maritime drug trafficking and sought to identify the wider smuggling network and its intended receivers.
Key facts
- Arrests
- Five Pakistani nationals
- Drugs seized
- 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin
- Estimated value
- More than ₹3,000 crore
- Vessel
- An Iranian dhow
- Seizure date
- September 25, 2026
- Operation length
- 16 days
- Follow-up
- The vessel, crew and drugs were taken to Mumbai for joint interrogation and legal proceedings
- Additional equipment
- Investigators found Starlink Wi-Fi equipment, an ICOM HF radio and a marine GPS navigation device
Quotes
Indian Coast Guard
India’s maritime security force that announced the interception
“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”
theprint.in
“Bharatiya Tatrakshak remains fully postured & committed to secure our maritime borders, dismantle drug syndicates to ensure Nasha Mukt Bharat, and protect the nation from transnational organised crimes.”
CNBC TV 18









