A major drug haul was intercepted off the coast of Gujarat’s Porbandar, where authorities seized over 700 kg of methamphetamine during a night-long operation. Eight individuals aboard the vessel, claiming Iranian nationality, have been apprehended and are being interrogated to uncover the origins and intended destination of the massive drug shipment.
The estimated market value of the seized consignment is believed to range between ₹2-5 crore, though exact figures remain uncertain. The operation, dubbed Sagar Manthan, was a coordinated effort involving the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The suspicious vessel was detected near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and subsequently escorted to Porbandar for further investigation. Officials are now intensifying their search for other potential smuggling vessels and monitoring maritime routes for additional drug consignments.
Authorities are also investigating whether the consignment originated from Pakistan, a nation often accused of using drug trafficking to fund terrorist activities.
This is not the first major drug seizure in Gujarat. Three weeks ago, narcotics valued at over ₹250 crore were confiscated from Avsar Enterprise in Bharuch district. Similarly, a past operation uncovered drugs worth ₹5,000 crore from Aavkar Drugs Limited, also in Ankleshwar.
Efforts are ongoing to disrupt the smuggling networks and prevent further infiltration of illegal substances through sea routes.
