In one of India's largest maritime anti-drug operations, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard have seized 115 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately Rs 1,150 crore from a cargo vessel near Mundra port in Kutch. The consignment was discovered aboard the MV Europe, a cargo ship that had traveled from Brazil through Mexico, the United States, and Karachi before entering Indian waters.
Details of the Seizure
Officials reported that the cocaine was concealed inside the ship's motor room. The drugs were intended for a mid-sea transfer before being routed to Delhi for nationwide distribution. Two Tanzanian crew members have been identified as key suspects in the operation. Additionally, two alleged receivers—a Nigerian and a Ugandan national—were detained from Delhi.
Electronic Tracking Devices Recovered
Investigators recovered Apple AirTags and Garmin GPS satellite communication devices from the vessel. These devices indicate that the drug syndicate used electronic tracking to monitor the shipment during its transit across multiple countries.
This seizure marks a significant breakthrough in India's efforts to combat international drug trafficking networks operating through maritime routes.
