203 Kg Suspected Narcotics Seized in Joint Operation by Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard; Two Iranian Nationals Detained

Porbandar, Gujarat: In a significant breakthrough against maritime Drug Trafficking, the Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard carried out a coordinated operation that led to the seizure of nearly 203 kilograms of suspected narcotics. The consignment, believed to be worth crores in the international market, was recovered from a speed boat intercepted off the Gujarat coast.

According to senior officials, the operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence inputs suggesting the existence of a cross-border narcotics route linking Iran to Punjab. The intercepted boat is suspected to have originated from Iran and was allegedly en route to deliver the contraband to a handler based in Punjab.

Intelligence Input Triggers Two-Day Surveillance Operation

Sunil Joshi, associated with the investigation, stated that the ATS had received specific information about an Iran-based operative identified as “Haji Fida,” who was allegedly coordinating the shipment of narcotics to contacts in India. Acting on this intelligence, security agencies mounted a two-day surveillance operation in coordination with maritime authorities.

The Indian Coast Guard subsequently launched a focused sea patrol and intercepted a small speed boat that had been under observation in international waters before entering Indian maritime jurisdiction. The swift interception prevented the consignment from reaching the shore.

203 One-Kilogram Packets Recovered from Boat

Officials confirmed that the speed boat was carrying 203 separate packets of a crystalline substance, each weighing approximately one kilogram. Preliminary assessments suggest that the substance is a form of narcotics, though chemical analysis is currently underway to determine its exact composition.

The boat is believed to have sailed directly from Iran. Investigators are examining navigation patterns, fuel capacity, and maritime tracking data to assess whether this route has been used previously for smuggling activities. Authorities noted that traveling such a long distance in a small speed boat indicates possible logistical planning and prior reconnaissance.

Two Iranian Nationals Taken into Custody

Two Iranian nationals, identified as Abdul Majid and Abdul Sattar, were detained on board the intercepted vessel. Both individuals are currently being questioned by investigative agencies. Officials are working to establish their roles in the smuggling operation and to determine whether they are directly linked to a larger transnational narcotics syndicate.

Investigators suspect that the seized consignment was intended for delivery to a handler based in Punjab. Efforts are now underway to identify and apprehend the Indian-based contact who was allegedly coordinating the inland distribution network.

Boat Shifted to Porbandar for Detailed Examination

The intercepted vessel has been escorted to Porbandar for a comprehensive forensic and technical examination. Authorities will analyze communication devices, satellite equipment, GPS systems, and other onboard materials to trace the broader smuggling network.

Officials emphasized that the operation reflects increasing coordination between counter-terrorism units and maritime security forces to curb the use of sea routes for illegal trafficking. The Arabian Sea has, in recent years, emerged as a critical corridor for narcotics movement from the “Golden Crescent” region toward India and beyond.

Strengthening Coastal Security Against Cross-Border Smuggling

Security agencies highlighted that enhanced intelligence-sharing and real-time coordination between the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard played a decisive role in the successful interception. The operation underscores India’s intensified efforts to secure its coastline and disrupt cross-border narcotics supply chains.

With chemical testing of the seized substance underway, officials stated that further legal action will proceed under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act once laboratory confirmation is obtained.

The investigation is ongoing, and agencies are now focused on dismantling the wider network that facilitated the attempted maritime drug delivery.