Coast Guard, ATS Nab ₹1,800 Crore Drugs Off Gujarat Coast
New Delhi: In an operation against drug trafficking, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), seized 300 kg of narcotics (methamphetamine) valued at approximately ₹1,800 crore. The joint mission, conducted overnight on April 12-13, 2025, targeted a suspected transshipment near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off the North Maharashtra-South Gujarat coast, marking a blow to illicit drug networks.
The operation began with corroborated intelligence from the Gujarat ATS, prompting an ICG ship, deployed for multi-mission duties in the Coast Guard Region (West), to divert towards the suspect boat. As the ICG vessel approached, the perpetrators attempted to evade capture by dumping their narcotics consignment into the sea and fleeing towards the IMBL. The ICG responded swiftly, deploying a sea boat to recover the jettisoned drugs while initiating a hot pursuit of the fleeing vessel.
The suspect boat’s proximity to the IMBL and the initial distance from the ICG ship allowed it to cross the boundary, preventing apprehension. Despite this, the ICG sea boat conducted an extensive search under challenging night conditions and successfully recovered the entire 300 kg of methamphetamine. The narcotics were transported to Porbandar by the ICG ship for further investigation, ensuring the consignment would not reach its intended destination.
This operation represents the 13th successful joint effort between the ICG and Gujarat ATS in recent years, highlighting their effective coordination in law enforcement. The synergy between the two agencies underscores their commitment to national objectives, particularly in curbing the spread of illegal drugs across India’s maritime borders.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah lauded the operation, emphasizing the government’s resolve to dismantle drug networks. In a post on X, Shah stated, “In the ceaseless pursuit of building a drug-free Bharat, a monumental feat was achieved by seizing 300 kg of narcotics worth ₹1800 crore near the international maritime border.” He described the mission as a testament to the Modi government’s “whole-of-the-government approach” to combating narcotics, which involves seamless cooperation across agencies to address the menace of drugs.
Shah further praised the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard for their role in the operation, calling their efforts a “grand success.” He reiterated that the government is “rooting out drug networks ruthlessly,” aligning the seizure with broader efforts to create a safer and drug-free India. The operation’s outcome reinforces the government’s focus on disrupting illicit supply chains that fuel crime and instability.
The seizure of such a large quantity of methamphetamine, a highly potent and dangerous drug, underscores the ongoing challenge of maritime drug trafficking. The ICG’s ability to act on precise intelligence and recover the dumped consignment despite adverse conditions demonstrates the operational readiness of India’s maritime security forces. The Gujarat ATS’s role in providing actionable inputs further highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling complex threats like drug smuggling.
Investigations into the seized narcotics are ongoing at Porbandar, with authorities working to trace the origins and intended recipients of the consignment. The operation not only prevents a significant quantity of drugs from entering circulation but also sends a strong message to traffickers attempting to exploit India’s coastal boundaries. The continued partnership between the ICG and ATS remains a cornerstone of India’s efforts to safeguard its maritime domain and uphold public safety.
– global bihari bureau
