The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a joint operation that resulted in the seizure of 118 kilograms of cocaine valued at nearly Rs 1,000 crore from the Arabian Sea off the Kutch coast. According to officials, the contraband was being smuggled from Brazil and was destined for foreign nationals based in Delhi.
Operation Details
Intelligence inputs alerted the ATS about a suspicious fishing boat moving near the International Maritime Boundary Line off the Kutch coast. Acting on this tip-off, ATS officers coordinated with the Coast Guard and intercepted the boat near the Jakhau coast in the early hours of May 29.
During the operation, officials discovered five large packets floating in the sea after smugglers allegedly threw them overboard while attempting to escape. The packets were recovered and tested positive for cocaine, with a total weight of 118.871 kilograms.
Arrests and Investigation
One accused, identified as Juma Nasir Omar, was apprehended from the boat. Another suspect reportedly jumped into the sea and remains untraceable. Later, the ATS detained two more accused from Delhi — Kelvin Chukwuma and Byaruhanga James — who were allegedly supposed to receive the consignment.
Preliminary findings revealed that the drugs were loaded in Brazil approximately six months ago and routed through sea channels before reaching Indian waters. Officials suspect the consignment was intended for the black market and linked to an international drug trafficking network.
Recovery of Satellite Device
ATS officials also recovered a Garmin GPSMAP 67i satellite communication device concealed inside the steering gear room of the boat. The device is expected to help investigators trace the maritime route and contacts involved in the smuggling chain.
