In a significant drug bust, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized 311 kilograms of methamphetamine off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat, during a joint operation on April 12-13, 2025. The drugs, valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore, were recovered near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) after smugglers discarded them into the Arabian Sea while fleeing.
The operation was initiated following a tip-off received by ATS Police Inspector J M Patel on April 10, 2025. The intelligence indicated that a Pakistani vessel named Fida was scheduled to deliver a substantial drug shipment originating from Pakistan's Pasni port. The smugglers intended to transfer the drugs to a Tamil Nadu boat, identified as Sadik, near the IMBL.
According to officials, the operation commenced when the Coast Guard spotted the suspicious boat in the early hours of April 13. As the ICG ship approached, the traffickers, realizing they were being pursued, hastily threw blue jerry cans containing the drugs overboard and retreated into Pakistani waters. The Coast Guard, despite its efforts to intercept the fleeing vessel, could not do so due to its proximity to international boundaries.
ATS DIG Sunil Joshi confirmed that the smugglers had cleverly packed the drugs in special jerry cans designed to float, allowing for later retrieval. Following the incident, the recovery teams from both the ATS and ICG successfully fished out 311 packets of drugs, each weighing one kilogram, from the sea.
"We are in touch with our counterparts in Tamil Nadu to track down the owner of the boat Sadik," Joshi stated, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to dismantle the drug trafficking network.
This latest operation marks the 13th successful joint effort between the Gujarat ATS and ICG in recent years, highlighting a robust collaboration in combating drug smuggling along the coast. The Gujarat ATS has thwarted around 20 sea-based drug smuggling attempts, primarily from Pakistan, since the beginning of their intensified operations.
Official records indicate that the Gujarat ATS has seized a total of 5,454.756 kilograms of drugs valued at Rs 10,277.12 crore during these operations. The crackdown has also led to the arrest of 163 foreign nationals, including 77 Pakistanis, 44 Iranians, four Afghans, and 46 Indians.
The coordinated efforts of the ATS and ICG have not only disrupted the drug supply chain but have also raised awareness regarding the increasing menace of drug trafficking in the region. Authorities are now focusing on identifying the smugglers and their connections in Tamil Nadu, aiming to dismantle the entire network.
As the investigation continues, the authorities remain vigilant against the persistent threat posed by drug trafficking in the Arabian Sea, particularly given the strategic importance of the region as a transit point for illicit activities.
This operation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in India as they strive to combat drug trafficking, which has far-reaching implications for public health and safety. The collaboration between the ATS and ICG serves as a model for future operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of joint efforts in addressing transnational crime.
In summary, the seizure of 311 kilograms of methamphetamine off the Porbandar coast represents a significant victory for the Gujarat ATS and ICG, reflecting their commitment to tackling drug smuggling and enhancing maritime security. As investigations unfold, the authorities are hopeful that they will be able to trace the origins of the drugs and apprehend those responsible for this illicit trade.
