Indian Coast Guard Nabs Pakistani Boat with Narcotics Valued at Rs 480 Crores
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
In a remarkable overnight operation on March 11-12, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Gujarat, successfully apprehended a Pakistani boat carrying narcotics valued at approximately Rs 480 crores. This joint effort, showcasing exceptional coordination among security agencies, unfolded about 350 km from Porbandar in the Arabian Sea.
Prompted by intelligence inputs, the ICG strategically positioned its ships in the Arabian Sea on March 11, 2024. The deployment aimed to intercept any suspicious activity in the region. Additionally, the ICG utilized its Dornier aircraft to conduct thorough scans and locate potential threats. This proactive approach was a result of specific information received from various agencies.
Operation Unfolds
As night fell on March 11, the ICG ships, in collaboration with the NCB and ATS Gujarat, initiated a sea-air coordinated operation. The joint effort aimed to cover a wide area, ensuring a comprehensive search for any vessels engaging in illicit activities. The teams meticulously scanned the dark waters, focusing on areas identified as potential locations for such activities.
After an exhaustive search, the ICG ships, aided by the Dornier aircraft, positively identified a Pakistani boat that was behaving suspiciously in the darkness. The boat, located approximately 350 km from Porbandar, immediately raised concerns. The ICG ships, displaying remarkable coordination, challenged the boat, prompting it to initiate evasive action. Despite the boat’s attempts to evade capture, the ICG ships skillfully chased it down, eventually forcing it to come to a halt.
Boarding and Investigation
With the boat under control, the ICG deployed a boarding team comprising members from the NCB and ATS Gujarat. The team conducted preliminary checks and investigations to determine the nature and extent of the illicit activities. The boat, flying the Pakistani flag, had six crew members on board.
Upon thorough examination and rummaging of the boat, the joint boarding team discovered approximately 80 kg of narcotics. The estimated value of these drugs was a staggering Rs 480 crores. This find underscored the significance of the joint operation and the effectiveness of intelligence-based interventions.
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Apprehension and Further Steps
In light of the discovery, the Pakistani boat, along with its six crew members, was promptly apprehended by the ICG. The vessel is now being escorted to Porbandar for further investigation. This successful operation marks the tenth such apprehension by the ICG, in collaboration with ATS Gujarat and NCB, over the past three years. The cumulative result of these operations amounts to a substantial 517 kg of narcotics, valued at an impressive Rs 3135 crores.
The recent joint operation serves as a testament to the seamless collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard, NCB, and ATS Gujarat. Their collective efforts in intelligence gathering, strategic positioning, and coordinated actions have once again thwarted attempts at illegal activities in the Arabian Sea. The successful apprehension of the Pakistani boat and the confiscation of narcotics valued at Rs 480 crores underscore the importance of such joint operations in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and combating the menace of drug trafficking. As these agencies continue to work in tandem, their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the region remains unwavering.
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