Jobaaj Stories
Indian Coast Guard Seizes $216M in Drugs Near Gujarat Coast
Over 300 kilograms of meth were recovered after smugglers fled across international waters during a high-seas chase in the Arabian Sea.
Major Drug Bust in Arabian Sea
In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) teamed up to seize over 300 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, estimated to be worth $216 million (₹1,800 crore). The bust took place in the Arabian Sea near India's maritime border with Pakistan.
This joint operation unfolded during the night of April 12 to 13, highlighting the ongoing threat of international drug smuggling through Indian waters.
Smugglers Dump Drugs and Escape Across Border
Authorities reported that as the Indian Coast Guard vessel approached a suspicious boat, the smugglers on board reacted quickly. In an attempt to escape capture, they threw the drug packages into the sea and fled across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Despite their escape, Coast Guard officials were able to recover the floating packages of narcotics. No arrests have been made yet, but efforts to identify the culprits are underway.
Seized Drugs Believed to Be Methamphetamine
Initial reports suggest that the seized substance is methamphetamine, a powerful and illegal synthetic drug known for its high street value and harmful health effects. Lab tests will confirm the exact composition.
This seizure represents one of the largest meth hauls in recent months by Indian forces and points to the growing trend of maritime drug trafficking in South Asia.
Drugs Handed Over for Investigation
The recovered narcotics were safely brought to Porbandar, a coastal city in Gujarat, where they were handed over to the state’s ATS for further investigation. Authorities are analyzing the evidence to uncover the full network behind the smuggling attempt.
The operation is part of a larger crackdown on narcotics entering India through the Arabian Sea, a known route for international drug syndicates.
Ongoing Efforts Against Maritime Drug Trafficking
This was the 13th successful joint operation carried out by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS in recent years, signaling a strong and coordinated effort to tackle drug trafficking on the high seas.
The Indian government has been investing in better surveillance, faster boats, and intelligence-sharing to protect its maritime borders from criminal activity.
