Gujarat ATS and Coast Guard Intercept Iranian Speedboat with 203kg Suspected Drug
In a significant joint operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully intercepted an Iranian speedboat carrying 203 kilograms of a suspected chemical substance in Indian waters. The interception occurred near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), approximately 140 nautical miles off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat.
Intelligence-Led Operation and Coordinated Efforts
According to an official statement from the ATS, Superintendent of Police K K Patel received specific intelligence regarding a drug smuggling operation. The input indicated that an Iranian drug smuggler, Haji Fida, had dispatched a consignment of nearly 200 kilograms of suspected contraband from Konarak Port in Iran. The intelligence suggested that the shipment was scheduled to reach Indian waters between February 15 and 16, where it would be handed over mid-sea to an Indian vessel for onward transport to Punjab.
Based on this critical information, a meticulous operation was planned. An ATS team was deployed to Porbandar, and the intelligence was promptly shared with the Indian Coast Guard, leading to a highly coordinated maritime effort.
Chase and Interception in Challenging Conditions
On Monday evening around 8 PM, an ICG ship from the Coast Guard Region (North West), which was on a multi-mission deployment, was diverted to intercept a suspicious foreign boat near the IMBL. Despite low visibility conditions, the vessel was successfully located using a combination of technical surveillance and human intelligence.
Upon noticing the approaching Coast Guard ship, the Iranian speedboat attempted to flee towards the notional IMBL. However, the ICG ship gave chase and managed to intercept the speedboat within Indian waters, preventing its escape.
Apprehension and Seizure Details
Two Iranian nationals on board the speedboat were apprehended during the operation. They have been identified as Abdul Majid Ismail and Abdul Sattar Kadarbaksh, both residents of Chabahar, Iran. A thorough search of the vessel led to the recovery of 203 packets, each weighing approximately 1 kilogram, containing a crystalline substance suspected to be a drug.
A senior ATS officer provided details on the seized substance, stating, "This is not heroin, methamphetamine, or mephedrone. We have field testing kits which ruled out these three substances. The samples have been sent for forensic examination to ascertain the exact composition of the substance." The exact nature of the chemical remains undetermined pending laboratory analysis.
Intended Destination and Legal Proceedings
ATS officials revealed that the consignment was intended for delivery in Punjab. A local man in Gujarat was allegedly tasked with receiving the parcels mid-sea and arranging their onward transport. Following the interception, the seized speedboat, the two accused individuals, and the 203 kilograms of suspected substance were brought to the Porbandar Coast Guard station for further legal proceedings and investigation.
This operation underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating maritime drug trafficking and highlights ongoing efforts to secure Indian coastal waters against illicit activities.
