Coast Guard Seizes 300kg Drugs in Mid-Sea Chase

 In a dramatic overnight maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) seized over 300 kg of narcotics worth approximately ₹1,800 crore near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The high-stakes joint operation was based on precise intelligence inputs from Gujarat ATS.

According to officials involved, the operation commenced late on April 12 when the ATS tipped off the ICG about a suspected drug consignment being smuggled via sea. Responding swiftly, a Coast Guard vessel on a multi-mission patrol in the North Maharashtra–South Gujarat zone was redirected toward the suspected coordinates.

Despite challenging pitch-dark conditions, the ICG team successfully tracked a suspicious boat operating near the IMBL. Realizing they were being intercepted, the smugglers attempted to jettison their cargo and flee toward international waters.

A pursuit ensued, but due to the boat's proximity to the boundary and international maritime protocol restrictions, the ICG was forced to call off the chase once the vessel crossed into international waters.

Meanwhile, the ICG launched a sea boat team, which carried out a meticulous search and recovered the dumped contraband. The recovered narcotics were later transported to Porbandar for further investigation and legal formalities.

Officials described the operation as a "major success" in disrupting international drug trafficking routes along India’s western coast. Further inquiry is underway to trace the origins and intended recipients of the consignment