Mumbai, 30 Sept (HS): The Indian Coast Guard with the Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist

Squad seized about 526 kg of high quality heroin and Methamphetamine being

carried through Arabian Sea off the western coast of Lakshadweep. The troops

also apprehended five Pakistani nationals.

The Chief Public Relations Officer said, After

receiving confirmed intelligence information, the Indian Coast Guard carried

out precise surveillance by sea and air. On 25 September, a suspected Iranian

dhow-type boat was intercepted after a sustained chase, and Coast Guard

personnel boarded and inspected the boat.

The drugs are said to be worth over Rs 1 crore in

the international market. The major seizure comes at a time when security

agencies are stepping up efforts to curb international drug trafficking through

the sea route. The Indian Coast Guard not only seized the drugs, but also

detained five Pakistani nationals who were operating the boat. The seized boat,

its crew and the seized drugs have been brought to Mumbai under armed security

arrangements.

The case will be jointly investigated by multiple

investigative agencies, after which legal action will be taken. The Coast Guard

said the seizure will help dismantle the financial networks of international

drug trafficking syndicates and prevent synthetic drugs from reaching the

mainland.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar