In one of the major maritime narcotics seizures reported on September 30, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep and recovered approximately 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine. Authorities have estimated the international-market value of the seized drugs at more than Rs 3,000 crore. Five Pakistani nationals found aboard the vessel were apprehended.

The operation was based on intelligence inputs received by the Gujarat ATS earlier in September. According to officials, investigators are now examining the wider international network allegedly involved in transporting the narcotics into India.

How the Arabian Sea Drug Operation Began

According to Gujarat ATS information reported by multiple news outlets, the operation began after an intelligence input was received on September 10 regarding a suspected international narcotics transaction.

The intelligence indicated that an Iranian boat named Azad was allegedly being used to transport a large consignment of methamphetamine and heroin toward Indian waters. The suspected plan involved transferring the drugs to another vessel connected with Tamil Nadu.

The Gujarat ATS subsequently alerted the Indian Coast Guard. A joint team was formed, with ATS personnel joining Coast Guard officers for maritime surveillance and interception operations.

The Coast Guard used sea and air surveillance to track the suspicious vessel before launching a coordinated pursuit. The dhow was eventually intercepted and boarded west of Lakshadweep on September 25.

526 Kg Narcotics Recovered From Iranian Dhow

A search of the vessel resulted in the recovery of approximately:

• 400 kg of methamphetamine
• 126 kg of heroin
• Total: approximately 526 kg of narcotics
• Estimated international-market value: more than Rs 3,000 crore

The Coast Guard described the seized substances as high-grade narcotics. The vessel, its crew and the seized contraband were subsequently escorted to Mumbai for further interrogation and legal proceedings.

The scale of the seizure has drawn attention because the consignment involved both heroin and methamphetamine, two internationally trafficked narcotic substances.

Five Pakistani Nationals Apprehended

Five Pakistani nationals were found aboard the Iranian dhow and were apprehended during the operation.

According to Gujarat ATS-related reports, they were identified as:

• Mohammad Yakub Balochi
• Shakirullah
• Faridullah
• Ahmed Khan
• Wahidullah Khan

Reports said the men were residents of Peshawar, Pakistan. The Coast Guard confirmed that five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were apprehended.

The nationality of the crew is one element being examined as investigators try to establish the complete chain behind the suspected maritime trafficking operation.

Alleged Route From Iran and Pakistan

Preliminary questioning reportedly indicated that the dhow had sailed from Konarak in Iran. Investigators were also told that a smaller boat associated with Gwadar, Pakistan, allegedly approached the Iranian dhow and transferred the narcotics consignment to it.

According to the Gujarat ATS version reported in the media, the consignment was subsequently intended to be transferred to another boat connected with Tamil Nadu.

Investigators are examining the precise route, the individuals involved in the transfer and the intended recipients of the drugs.

Hawala Transactions Under Investigation

The suspected operation also allegedly involved financial transactions through the hawala network.

According to Gujarat ATS information, an advance payment for the consignment had allegedly already been made through hawala channels, while the remaining payment was reportedly due after delivery. Investigators are examining these financial transactions to identify people who may have financed or facilitated the alleged trafficking operation.

Authorities are also investigating whether the suspected narcotics network extends beyond the individuals found aboard the dhow.

Why the Lakshadweep Interception Matters

The seizure highlights the use of maritime routes for international narcotics trafficking. Indian agencies have increasingly focused on detecting suspicious vessels and preventing large consignments from reaching the mainland through India's maritime zones.

The Coast Guard said the operation demonstrated coordinated maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities and formed part of efforts to disrupt transnational drug-smuggling networks.

By intercepting the consignment before it could allegedly be transferred to another vessel, investigators may now have an opportunity to trace the wider network involved in the suspected operation.

Key Highlights

• 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine seized.
• Approximately 400 kg methamphetamine recovered.
• Approximately 126 kg heroin recovered.
• Drugs valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore in the international market.
• An Iranian dhow named Azad was intercepted.
• The interception took place west of Lakshadweep.
• The operation was conducted jointly by the Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard.
• Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were apprehended.
• The vessel and seized contraband were brought to Mumbai.
• Investigators are examining the alleged Iran-Pakistan-India maritime route.
• Suspected hawala transactions are also under investigation.
• Authorities are working to identify the wider international network and intended recipients.

Investigation Into International Drug Network

The case is now moving into a broader investigation phase. Gujarat ATS is examining the alleged organisers, financiers, intended recipients and logistics operators connected to the consignment.

Investigators are also looking into how the narcotics allegedly moved from Iran toward Indian waters and the role of the smaller vessel reportedly linked to Gwadar.

The identities of additional people involved, if established through investigation, could provide authorities with further information about the suspected international trafficking network.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on information reported by official agencies and established third-party news organisations, including the Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS-related statements, PTI, DD India, The Indian Express, The Tribune and other published reports. Details concerning the alleged trafficking network, intended recipients, financial transactions and statements made during interrogation remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings. Allegations should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through the appropriate legal process.

Conclusion

The seizure of approximately 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth more than Rs 3,000 crore represents a major interception of a suspected maritime narcotics consignment. With five Pakistani nationals apprehended, the Gujarat ATS and other agencies are now investigating the wider network, alleged financial links and intended destination of the drugs.