Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in collaboration with the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), seized 86 kg of narcotics valued @ Rs 600 cr and apprehended 14 crew members from the Pakistani vessel in a meticulously planned anti-narcotics operation at sea on April 28, 2024.

The ICG ship Rajratan, equipped with ATS and NCB officials, positively identified the suspect boat despite attempts to evade detection. The swift response of the Rajratan, supported by a fleet of ships and aircraft on concurrent missions, left no room for escape for the drug-laden vessel. The ship's specialist team embarked on the suspect boat and after thorough checks, confirmed the presence of a sizeable amount of narcotics. The crew and the vessel are currently being escorted to Porbandar for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The jointness of ICG and ATS, which has led to eleven such successful law enforcement operations in the last three years reaffirms the synergy for national objectives.

*******

ABB/MR/KB