Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on the basis of intelligence input by ATS Gujarat has apprehended a Pakistani Boat with 10 crew in Indian waters carrying arms, ammunition and approx. 40 kgs of Narcotics worth Rs. 300 crores.
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 an area close to notional International Maritime Border Line (IMBL). During early hours of Monday, 26 Dec 22, 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 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 approx. 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 ammunition alongwith drugs were being infiltrated. During the mentioned period, a total 346 kgs of heroin worth Rs 1930 Crores has already been seized along with the apprehension of 44 Pakistani and 07 Iranian crew.
Also Read: As China Lifts Covid Curbs, Xi Jinping Urges Action To “Protect” Lives
