MUNDRA: In a massive blow to international drug trafficking networks, the Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat have jointly seized approximately 115 kg of high-grade cocaine. The contraband is estimated to be worth a staggering ₹1,150 crore in the international market, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Defence.
The intelligence-led operation was executed between May 25 and 26 following specific, actionable inputs shared by ATS Gujarat regarding suspected maritime smuggling activity in the Mundra anchorage area. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, Indian Coast Guard interceptor boats deployed with integrated ATS personnel to launch an extensive search operation across the targeted waters.
The Interception and Seizure During the mid-sea sweep, security personnel spotted suspicious activity onboard a container vessel operating in the area. As the joint team closed in on the location, they successfully recovered five bags that had reportedly been dumped into the sea by the smugglers in a desperate bid to destroy evidence.
Upon inspection, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the retrieved bags contained 115 individual packets of a white powdery substance, each weighing nearly one kilogram. Preliminary field tests positively identified the substance as cocaine. Following the massive recovery, the container vessel was detained and escorted to the port for a comprehensive investigation into its origin and the wider smuggling syndicate.
Strengthening Maritime Security This operation marks the 15th successful joint anti-narcotics mission intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat over the past five years. The Defence Ministry emphasized that the milestone underscores the unwavering commitment of India’s coastal security forces to fortify maritime boundaries and aggressively support the central government’s long-term vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India).
