In an overnight joint operation during intervening nights of 11 & 12 Mar 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), based on intelligence inputs, apprehended a Pakistani Boat with 06 crew and narcotics onboard, worth approx Rs 480Cr. The Boat was apprehended about 350 Km from Porbandar into Arabian Sea in a sea-air coordinated operation involving ICG ships and Dornier Aircraft. The operation exhibited well-coordinated efforts between ICG, NCB and ATS Gujrat.

The Indian Coast Guard, on specific intelligence input from agencies, strategically positioned its ships in Arabian Sea on Monday, 11 March 24. ICG also tasked its Dornier aircraft to scan and locate the boat in likely areas. After an exhaustive search in area, the ICG Ships, with teams of NCB and ATS Gujarat, arrived location and positively identified the boat which was moving suspiciously in dark. On being challenged by ICG Ships, the boat started evasive manoeuvring, but was deftly chased and forced to stop by ICG ships. Boarding team immediately embarked the ship for preliminary checks and investigations.

The boat was found to be a Pakistani boat with six crew. Investigation by the joint boarding team and rummaging of boat revealed approx. 80 Kg of drugs worth approx. Rs 480 Cr.

The boat along with crew has been apprehended and is being brought to Porbandar for further investigation. This is the tenth apprehension by ICG, jointly with ATS Gujarat and NCB, in last three years, amounting to 517Kg Narcotics worth Rs 3135 Crores.

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ABB/Anand

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