- Suspicious boat carrying 1 lakh cigarette packets, banned satellite communication gear intercepted inside India’s EEZ
- Iranian crew detained; vessel escorted to Porbandar as second major maritime seizure in a week exposes smuggling networks
- Operation underscores Indian Coast Guard’s relentless vigilance in safeguarding India’s maritime sovereignty and security
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, FEB 22
In a decisive maritime security operation, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a suspicious foreign vessel carrying contraband worth up to ₹5 crore inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 115 nautical miles west of Dwarka in the North Arabian Sea.
The interception took place on the morning of February 21 when an Indian Coast Guard Ship, deployed on forward area patrol under the operational command of Coast Guard Region (North West), detected unusual movement of a foreign boat within Indian waters. The vessel’s suspicious navigation pattern triggered immediate investigation.
On spotting the Coast Guard ship, the suspect boat attempted to flee toward the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), but was swiftly intercepted and brought to a halt following a coordinated tactical manoeuvre by the Coast Guard team.
Foreign vessel with concealed contraband and banned communication equipment seized
The boat, identified as Al Mukhtar—despite transmitting a different identity on its Automatic Identification System (AIS)—was boarded and searched by Coast Guard personnel. It was found to be manned by four crew members.
Interrogation revealed that all four crew members were Iranian nationals, and the vessel was registered in Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, the crew failed to produce valid documentation or provide a credible explanation for their presence in Indian waters.
A detailed search uncovered approximately 200 cartons containing nearly 1 lakh cigarette packets concealed inside onboard storage compartments. The international market value of the seized contraband is estimated between ₹2.5 crore and ₹5 crore, subject to further verification by authorities.
Additionally, officials recovered one Thuraya satellite communication set—use of which is prohibited in India without authorization—along with eight mobile phones, including four internet-enabled devices. Thuraya satellite phones are often linked to illegal maritime activities due to their ability to bypass conventional communication monitoring systems.
The intercepted vessel is currently being escorted to Porbandar for detailed investigation and legal proceedings.
Second major maritime seizure in a week exposes active smuggling attempts
This marks the second significant interception by the Indian Coast Guard in less than a week, highlighting intensified maritime vigilance along India’s western seaboard.
On February 16, in a joint operation with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, the Coast Guard apprehended a speedboat carrying two Iranian nationals and seized approximately 203 kilograms of suspected narcotics in the Arabian Sea—one of the region’s largest recent drug seizures.
These back-to-back operations underscore growing concerns over the use of maritime routes for smuggling contraband, narcotics and illegal communication equipment, particularly along strategic coastal corridors near Gujarat.
Coast Guard reinforces maritime shield protecting India’s sovereignty
The Indian Coast Guard reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting India’s maritime borders, preventing illegal activities and ensuring national security.
The force plays a critical role in enforcing maritime law, preventing smuggling, safeguarding the Exclusive Economic Zone and protecting India’s vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometres—one of the largest in the world.
Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway in close coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to uncover the smuggling network, origin and intended destination of the seized contraband.
The successful interception once again highlights the Coast Guard’s operational readiness, technological surveillance capabilities and strategic presence in securing India’s maritime frontiers against emerging threats.