Guwahati: A Pakistani boat with 10 crew members was captured on Monday in Indian seas by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in a joint operation with the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad carrying weapons, ammunition and about 40 kilogrammes of illegal drugs worth Rs 300 crores.
An official statement claims that the decision was made based on information provided by the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad.
“During the 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 the notional International Maritime Border Line (IMBL). During the early hours of Monday, 26 Dec 2022, a Pakistani Fishing Boat Al Soheli was observed moving suspiciously in Indian waters,” the statement said.
“During the 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,” it added.
The crew of the boat has been taken into custody and is being transported to Okha for additional investigation.
In the last 18 months, the Indian Coast Guard and ATS, Gujarat have collaborated on seven operations; this was the first time that weapons and ammunition as well as drugs were discovered during an arrest, according to the statement.
“During the mentioned period, a total 346 kgs of heroin worth Rs 1,930 crores has already been seized along with apprehension of 44 Pakistani and 7 Iranian crew,” it said.