Lakshadweep: A coordinated intelligence operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Indian Coast Guard and central intelligence agencies has led to the interception of an Iranian dhow carrying 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine in India’s exclusive economic zone.
The vessel, Azad, was intercepted on September 25, around 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep and 490 nautical miles southwest of Mumbai. Five Pakistani nationals on board were apprehended and the contraband was seized following sustained maritime surveillance and a hot-pursuit operation.
As informed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, Sunil Joshi, the intelligence trail began on September 10, when Police Inspector JM Patel received information that a long-wanted Gujarat accused had contacted a Nigerian national. The subsequent intelligence indicated that a consignment of more than 500 kg of narcotics was being brought into India aboard Azad, with an advance payment allegedly made for the operation.
Joshi said intelligence subsequently indicated that five accused had departed from the vicinity of Konarak port on the Iranian coast. A smaller fishing vessel from Gwadar, Pakistan, allegedly approached Azad and transferred the narcotics consignment to it.
The Gujarat ATS shared the intelligence with the operations wing of Coast Guard headquarters, following which a joint team was formed. According to Joshi, the team was deployed from Kochi due to technical reasons and maintained surveillance across the vast maritime area for approximately 17 days.
The suspect vessel was finally located on September 25 and intercepted by Coast Guard assets. A search recovered approximately 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin, taking the total seizure to 526 kg. The drugs have been valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore in international markets, according to the agencies.
Preliminary interrogation identified the five apprehended persons as Mohammad Yaqub Baluchi, Shakirullah, Faridullah, Ahmed Khan and Wahidullah Khan, all residents of Pakistan.
According to Joshi, interrogation has further indicated that the consignment was to be transferred to a boat from Tamil Nadu. Investigators are now examining the source of the narcotics, the financing and intermediaries involved, as well as the intended recipients.
The vessel, crew and seized contraband have been escorted to Mumbai under armed protection for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings.
The operation underscores the importance of converting shore-based intelligence into actionable maritime surveillance. The Gujarat ATS input was shared with the Coast Guard, enabling agencies to track a suspected vessel across a large stretch of the Arabian Sea before moving in for interception.
The investigation now shifts from the seizure itself to the wider trafficking network behind it, including the cross-border movement of the consignment and its planned distribution in India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the coordinated operation by the Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard and central intelligence agencies, and said the government remained focused on protecting young people from narcotics. Further investigation is underway to identify the wider network and intended receivers.
BI Bureau
