Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Suspicious Vessel, Seizes Contraband in Arabian Sea
In a significant maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Saturday apprehended four Iranian crew members and seized a large consignment of banned cigarettes after intercepting a suspicious foreign boat. The incident occurred inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 115 nautical miles west of Dwarka in the North Arabian Sea.
Operation Details and Interception
The operation was conducted by an ICG ship deployed on forward area patrol under Coast Guard Region (North West). Officials stated that the foreign boat's movements appeared suspicious, prompting the patrol ship to close in for investigation. Upon spotting the ICG vessel, the boat attempted to flee towards the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) but was successfully intercepted and stopped.
An ICG boarding team found four crew members on board, all identified as Iranian nationals during preliminary questioning. The vessel, reportedly registered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was identified as Al Mukhtar. However, it transmitted a different name on its Automatic Identification System (AIS), raising further suspicion about its activities.
Discovery of Contraband and Illegal Items
The crew failed to produce valid documentation or provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence in Indian waters. A thorough search of the boat led to the discovery of 200 cartons containing approximately 1 lakh cigarette packets concealed in the hold. The international market value of the seized consignment was estimated between Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 5 crore, subject to verification by concerned authorities.
In addition to the cigarettes, the ICG team recovered a Thuraya satellite communication set, which is banned in India, and eight mobile phones, including four with internet connectivity. These items are often associated with illicit activities, adding to the gravity of the incident.
Escort and Legal Proceedings
The intercepted boat was escorted to Porbandar for further investigation and legal proceedings. This operation highlights the ICG's vigilance in safeguarding India's maritime borders and preventing smuggling activities in the region. The apprehension of the crew and seizure of contraband underscore ongoing efforts to combat illegal trade in Indian waters.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the smuggling network and any potential links to larger criminal operations. The ICG's proactive measures in the Arabian Sea serve as a deterrent to such activities, ensuring the security and integrity of India's maritime domain.
