Indian Coast Guard seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian dhow just off Lakshadweep on September 25, officials said. The haul, valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore, was found aboard a vessel flagged for drug smuggling.
Intelligence flagged the dhow as suspicious; Coast Guard assets conducted air and sea surveillance before launching a hot pursuit. The boat was boarded west of Lakshadweep, where crew and contraband were seized.
Five Pakistani nationals, believed to be operating the vessel, were detained during the boarding. Gujarat Anti‑Terrorist Squad confirmed the arrests and will coordinate legal proceedings.
The seized drugs include high‑grade methamphetamine and heroin, posing a significant threat to the region's public health. The operation demonstrates India's commitment to curbing maritime drug trafficking.
The vessel, crew and seized drugs were escorted to Mumbai for joint interrogation. A formal charge sheet will be filed and the case is slated for the court of Mumbai's High Court next month.