ARABIAN SEA DRUG HAUL LEADS TO DETENTION OF FIVE PAKISTANIS IN MAJOR MARITIME OPERATION

September 30, 2026

Indian maritime security agencies have intercepted an Iranian vessel carrying narcotics valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the Arabian Sea, detaining five Pakistani nationals in a major anti-drug operation conducted jointly by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad.

The operation took place on September 25, west of Lakshadweep, following intelligence inputs about suspected narcotics trafficking through international maritime routes. The Coast Guard tracked and intercepted the Iranian dhow after conducting coordinated sea-and-air surveillance.

A search of the vessel led to the recovery of approximately 526 kilograms of narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine. The consignment was estimated to be worth over ₹3,000 crore in the international illicit market, making it a significant seizure in India’s ongoing efforts to disrupt maritime drug-smuggling networks.

The five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were detained for questioning. The intercepted dhow, its crew and the seized contraband were subsequently escorted to Mumbai under security arrangements for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Investigating agencies are expected to examine the vessel’s route, the origin and intended destination of the narcotics, and possible links to wider international trafficking networks. The identities and alleged roles of those detained are also subject to investigation.

The seizure highlights continuing concerns over the use of the Arabian Sea for transnational narcotics trafficking. Indian agencies are pursuing further inquiries to establish the full extent of the suspected smuggling operation and identify any individuals or networks potentially connected to the consignment.