The Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat have seized approximately 115 kg of cocaine worth around Rs 1,150 crore during a joint anti-smuggling operation off the Mundra coast in Gujarat.
In a statement on Wednesday, 27 May, the Ministry of Defence said that the seizure was made during an intelligence-based operation conducted from 25 May to 26 May in the Mundra anchorage area.
According to the ministry, the operation was launched after ATS Gujarat shared specific and actionable intelligence with the Indian Coast Guard.
ICG Interceptor Boats, with ATS personnel embarked onboard, carried out an extensive search in the area.
During the operation, suspicious activity was observed onboard a container vessel.
The Coast Guard and ATS team then moved swiftly to the location and recovered 5 bags from the sea.
On examination, the bags were found to contain packets of a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine.
A total of 115 packets were seized during the operation.
Each packet weighed approximately 1 kg, taking the overall contraband weight to around 115 kg.
The seized cocaine has an estimated international market value of approximately Rs 1,150 crore, according to open-source assessments cited by the ministry.
The container vessel has subsequently been brought to port for further investigation.
The ministry said the operation reflected swift operational response and seamless inter-agency coordination between the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat.
This was the 15th successful anti-narcotics operation jointly undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat in the last 5 years.
The ministry said the operation reaffirmed the commitment of the agencies towards strengthening maritime security and supporting the national vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.
Read also: IAF opens Technical Branch officer entry through GATE scores, AFCAT route to continue
