Massive Drug Bust Near IMBL
In a major anti-drug operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), seized 300 kilograms of narcotics valued at ₹1,800 crore. The operation was carried out between April 12 and 13, 2025, near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off the Gujarat coast.
High-Risk Joint Operation with ATS
The success of this operation highlights the strong coordination between central and state security agencies. The mission included embedding two ATS officers onboard the ICG vessel. The operation was launched following a credible intelligence tip-off about a planned mid-sea handoff between a Pakistani drug supplier and an Indian boat.
Intelligence Tip-Off Sparks Action
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Gujarat ATS, Sunil Joshi, revealed that ATS Inspector JM Patel had received information about a Pakistani national named Fida. According to intel, Fida was attempting to smuggle approximately 400 kilograms of narcotics via a Pakistani fishing boat. The drugs were intended to be transferred mid-sea to a vessel from Tamil Nadu, which would then carry the consignment to India’s southern coast.
This information led to the formation of a special ATS team, which included Inspector VM Bharwad and Sub-Inspector Bhupendra Waghela. Both officers were assigned to work closely with the Indian Coast Guard on the interception.
ICG Detects Pakistani Vessel on Radar
On the night of April 12, the ICG ship reached the suspected location of the drug handoff. Using radar surveillance, the ship identified a small Pakistani fishing vessel in the vicinity. The crew aboard the Pakistani boat appeared to have noticed the presence of Indian security forces.
“In a bid to avoid getting caught, the suspects onboard the Pakistani boat threw the narcotics into the sea and tried to flee across the IMBL,” said DIG Sunil Joshi. “This is a common tactic used to erase evidence and avoid prosecution.”
Contraband Recovered at Sea
Despite the smugglers’ attempt to dump the cargo, the Indian Coast Guard successfully retrieved 300 kilograms of the contraband from the sea. The operation prevented a huge quantity of illegal drugs from entering Indian territory.
The Gujarat ATS has since received the confiscated narcotics for further investigation. Authorities are also tracing the recipient of the shipment in India, and more arrests are possible.
Official Confirmation by Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard gave the following post on its social media:
“Joint operation with Gujarat ATS on the night of 12-13 Apr 25: Indian Coast Guard seized 300 kg of narcotics worth Rs 1800 Cr off IMBL near the Gujarat coast.”
Now the seized drugs are over to Gujarat ATS for probing them further. Meanwhile the authorities are also working on tracking down probable receivers of this shipment in India; more arrests may follow.
It was the official post on social media by the Indian Coast Guard;
“The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with Gujarat ATS on the night of 12-13 April 25, seized 300 kg of narcotics worth Rs 1800 Cr off IMBL near the Gujarat coast.” Upon spotting the ICG ship, smugglers dumped contraband and fled across IMBL. The consignment was recovered at sea and handed to #ATS for further investigation. A testament to strong inter-agency synergy against drug smuggling.”
Earlier Interception of Indian Boat
Interestingly, just a day prior, on April 11, the ICG had intercepted an Indian fishing boat named Maa Basanti approximately 72 nautical miles from Sagar Light within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Although unrelated, officials are looking into possible connections between the two incidents as part of a broader crackdown on maritime smuggling routes.
A Strong Message to Smugglers
This successful operation sends a strong message to international drug syndicates attempting to use India’s coastline for illegal activities. It also underscores the importance of real-time intelligence sharing and cooperation between multiple enforcement agencies to safeguard national security. Source ANINEWS
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