Gujarat ATS, Coast Guard Seize ₹1,800 Cr Meth in Sea Operation
In a significant joint operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized over 300 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately ₹1,800 crore, from the Arabian Sea near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off the Gujarat coast. The operation took place during the night of April 12-13, 2025.
Acting on intelligence provided by the Gujarat ATS, an ICG vessel on multi-mission deployment was diverted to intercept a suspected transshipment of narcotics. Upon spotting the approaching ICG ship, the smugglers aboard a fishing boat jettisoned the drug consignment into the sea and fled towards Pakistani waters, successfully crossing the IMBL and evading capture.
The ICG deployed a sea boat to recover the discarded narcotics, which were found packed in waterproof barrels designed to float, facilitating later retrieval. The recovered consignment was subsequently handed over to the ATS for further investigation.
Investigation Points to International Smuggling Network
Preliminary investigations suggest that the methamphetamine was smuggled from Pakistan and was intended for distribution in Tamil Nadu. The operation is suspected to be orchestrated by a Pakistan-based smuggler known by the call sign ‘Fidaa’, who has been previously implicated in drug trafficking activities.
DIG Sunil Joshi of the Gujarat ATS stated that intelligence indicated a planned handover of approximately 400 kilograms of narcotics on the Indian side of the IMBL. The ATS has registered an offense and is conducting further investigations to identify and apprehend those involved in this smuggling attempt.
Government Commends Inter-Agency Coordination
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the successful operation, highlighting it as a testament to the government’s commitment to eradicating drug networks. He emphasized the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating narcotics smuggling.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi also praised the coordinated efforts of the ATS and ICG, noting that such operations demonstrate the state’s resolve to tackle drug trafficking and safeguard its extensive coastline.
This seizure adds to a series of successful operations by the Gujarat ATS and ICG, reflecting ongoing efforts to curb the influx of narcotics through maritime routes.
