New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), in a joint operation early on Monday, apprehended a Pakistani boat with 10 crew members from Indian waters and found 40 kg narcotics worth Rs 300 crore on board it.
“The security agencies also recovered six pistols and 120 rounds from the crew of the Pakistani boat which had started off from somewhere near Karachi,” news agency ANI reported citing defence officials.
#UPDATE | The security agencies have recovered six pistols and 120 rounds from the crew of the Pakistani boat which had started off from somewhere near Karachi: Defence officials
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2022
The operation was conducted during the night of December 25/26 on specific intelligence input.
“The ICG strategically deployed its fast patrol class ship ICGS Arinjay for patrolling in area close to notional International Maritime Border Line (IMBL),” a Coast Guard statement said.
During the early hours of Monday, the ICG observed a Pakistani fishing boat ‘Al Soheli’ moving suspiciously in Indian waters.
“On being challenged by the 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.
“It said that after an extensive search of the boat, some arms, ammunition, and approx 40 kg of narcotics, valued at about Rs 300 crore, were found concealed.”
The officials seized the boat and arrested the crew, all of whom are being brought to the coastal town of Okha in Gujarat for further investigation.
As per the statement, this is the seventh joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS, Gujarat in last 18 months and first wherein arms and ammunitions were being infiltrated, along with the drugs. During this period, a total 346 kg of heroine, valued at Rs 1,930 crore has already been seized along with apprehension of 44 Pakistani and 7 Iranian crew members.
