Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS Seize 115 Kg Cocaine Worth Rs 1,150 Cr off Mundra Coast
New Delhi, May 27 (TNT): Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat have seized approximately 115 kg of cocaine during a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted off the Mundra coast in Gujarat, officials said on Wednesday.
The narcotics haul, recovered during an intelligence-based maritime operation carried out between May 25 and 26, is estimated to have an international market value of around ₹1,150 crore.
According to officials, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs shared by Gujarat ATS regarding suspected narcotics smuggling activities in the Mundra anchorage area.
Acting swiftly on the inputs, Indian Coast Guard interceptor boats carrying ATS personnel onboard conducted an extensive search operation in the area.
During the operation, officials observed suspicious activity involving a container vessel. The joint team immediately moved towards the location and recovered five bags floating in the sea.
Upon examination, the bags were found to contain 115 packets of white powdery substance weighing approximately one kilogram each. Preliminary testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
The seized contraband weighed around 115 kg in total, officials said.
Authorities later escorted the vessel to port for further investigation into the smuggling network and possible international links.
Officials described the operation as a major success in India’s efforts to combat maritime narcotics trafficking.
This marks the 15th successful joint anti-narcotics operation carried out by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS over the last five years, reinforcing coordinated efforts to strengthen coastal and maritime security and advance the national campaign for a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.
TNT TS
