NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, MAY 27
In a major breakthrough against international maritime drug trafficking networks, the Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with ATS Gujarat, seized nearly 115 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated ₹1,150 crore during a high-risk overnight anti-smuggling operation near Mundra anchorage in Gujarat.
In a major breakthrough against maritime narcotics smuggling, @IndiaCoastGuard in coordination with #ATSGujarat, seized approx. 115 kg of cocaine worth ₹1,150 crore during a joint operation off #Mundra coast on the night of 25-26 May 2026.
Acting on specific intelligence, #ICG… pic.twitter.com/32I5TfNR3f
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 27, 2026
- Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat conduct joint anti-smuggling operation near Mundra anchorage
- Five suspicious bags allegedly thrown overboard from container vessel MV Europe intercepted in darkness
- Authorities recover 115 kg cocaine valued at nearly ₹1,150 crore
- Vessel brought to port as multi-agency investigation intensifies
- Operation marks the 15th successful anti-narcotics maritime crackdown in five years
The dramatic operation unfolded during the dark hours of May 25-26 following specific intelligence inputs shared by ATS Gujarat regarding suspected narcotics movement through maritime routes.
Midnight Chase in the Arabian Sea
Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, interceptor boats of the Indian Coast Guard carrying ATS personnel launched an intensive search operation across the vast anchorage area off Mundra coast.
During the operation, officials reportedly observed several suspicious bags being thrown overboard from a container vessel identified as the MV Europe, anchored nearly five nautical miles from Mundra.
Despite extremely low visibility and challenging night conditions, the joint teams rapidly navigated to the location and successfully retrieved five bags floating in the sea.
115 Packets of Cocaine Recovered
Upon inspection, officers discovered packets containing a white powdery substance concealed inside the bags. Preliminary testing later confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
Officials said a total of 115 packets, weighing approximately one kilogram each, were recovered during the operation, taking the total seizure to nearly 115 kilograms of cocaine.
According to open-source market estimates, the value of the seized contraband is believed to be around ₹1,150 crore, making it one of the significant maritime drug seizures along the western coast in recent years.
Vessel Brought to Port, Probe Intensifies
Authorities have since escorted the MV Europe to port, where a joint investigation involving the Coast Guard, ATS Gujarat and other central agencies is currently underway.
Investigators are expected to examine the ship’s crew, cargo movement records and possible international trafficking links behind the narcotics consignment.
Growing Maritime Vigil Against Narcotics Networks
Officials noted that the latest operation highlights the growing operational synergy between maritime and anti-terror agencies in combating narcotics smuggling through Indian waters.
The successful seizure marks the 15th anti-narcotics operation jointly conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat over the last five years.
Authorities said the crackdown reinforces India’s broader maritime security framework and aligns with the national mission of achieving a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.
