The Indian Coast Guard has intercepted an Iranian dhow suspected of being involved in a maritime drug-smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 526 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine. The drugs were estimated to have a value of more than ₹3,000 crore on the international market.
The vessel was reportedly carrying five Pakistani nationals.
According to the Coast Guard, the operation was conducted jointly with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat. Acting on intelligence, Indian maritime and aerial surveillance assets tracked the vessel before pursuing and boarding the dhow on September 25, 2026.
The intercepted vessel, its crew and the seized contraband were subsequently escorted to Mumbai under armed security.
Authorities said the crew and seized material would be subject to joint interrogation and further legal proceedings involving multiple agencies.
The seizure is part of ongoing efforts by Indian maritime authorities to detect and prevent the movement of illegal narcotics through the country’s maritime zones.
The authorities said the operation involved coordinated surveillance and interception at sea and was intended to prevent the suspected shipment from reaching the Indian mainland.
Further investigation is expected to determine the origin of the drugs, their intended destination and the wider network allegedly involved in the smuggling operation.
