by: Nav Jeevan

ICG, Gujarat ATS seize Pak boat ‘Al Soheli’ along with arms, narcotics worth Rs 300 cr

  • This is the seventh joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS, Gujarat in last 18 months
  • A total 346 kgs of heroine worth Rs 1,930 crores has already been seized along with apprehension of 44 Pakistani and 7 Iranian crew in 2022.

NE NEWS SERVICE

GANDHINAGAR, DEC 26

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in a joint operation with Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended a Pakistani Boat on the Indian side of the Arabian sea in the wee hours of Monday.

“The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on the basis of intelligence input by ATS Gujarat has apprehended a Pakistani Boat with 10 crew in the Indian waters carrying arms, ammunition and approximately 40 kgs of narcotics worth Rs 300 crore,” says an ICG release.

During intervening night of 25/26 Dec 22, on a specific intelligence input, ICG strategically deployed its Fast Patrol class of ship ICGS Arinjay for patrolling in area close to notional International Maritime Border Line (IMBL). During early hours of Monday, a Pakistani Fishing Boat ‘Al Soheli’ was observed moving suspiciously in Indian waters. On being challenged by ICG Ship, the Pakistani boat started evasive manoeuvring and did not stop even on firing of warning shots. ICG ship in pitch darkness manoeuvred and stopped the boat, the statement added.

The ICG team in challenging conditions, then, boarded the Pakistani Boat. During investigation, the crew were found to be behaving suspiciously. After extensive rummaging of the boat, the arms, ammunition and approximately 40 Kgs of narcotics worth Rs 300 crores were found concealed. The boat along with crew has been apprehended and is being brought to Okha for further investigation.

This is the seventh joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS, Gujarat in last 18 months and first apprehension wherein arms and ammunitions along with drugs were being infiltrated. During mentioned period, a total 346 kgs of heroine worth Rs 1,930 crores has already been seized along with apprehension of 44 Pakistani and 7 Iranian crew.