Indian Coast Guard Seizes 526 Kg Drugs from Iranian Dhow in Arabian Sea

Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Iranian Dhow

The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), intercepted an Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep on September 25, 2026.

According to officials, the operation followed intelligence inputs and involved coordinated sea and air surveillance. Coast Guard assets tracked the suspicious vessel before launching a hot pursuit and boarding the dhow.

526 Kg of Heroin and Methamphetamine Seized

A search of the vessel resulted in the seizure of approximately 526 kg of narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine.

The seized drugs have been valued at more than ₹3,000 crore in the international market, making it a major maritime narcotics seizure.

Five Pakistani Nationals Apprehended

Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were apprehended during the operation.

The intercepted dhow, its crew and the seized narcotics were subsequently escorted to Mumbai under armed security for joint interrogation and further legal proceedings involving multiple agencies.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are now investigating the suspected transnational drug-smuggling network behind the shipment. The operation is part of continuing efforts by Indian maritime and law-enforcement agencies to prevent narcotics trafficking through sea routes.

The Coast Guard said such operations are aimed at disrupting illicit maritime activities and preventing narcotic substances from reaching the mainland.

Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were apprehended during the operation.

Authorities are now investigating the suspected transnational drug-smuggling network behind the shipment. The operation is part of continuing efforts by Indian maritime and law-enforcement agencies to prevent narcotics trafficking through sea routes.

The Coast Guard said such operations are aimed at disrupting illicit maritime activities and preventing narcotic substances from reaching the mainland.

Key Details

• Location: Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep

• Date of interception: September 25, 2026

• Drugs seized: Approximately 526 kg

• Narcotics: Heroin and methamphetamine

• Estimated value: More than ₹3,000 crore

• Crew apprehended: 5 Pakistani nationals

• Vessel: Iranian dhow

• Joint operation: Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS

• Vessel taken to: Mumbai

Source & Credit

Sources: Indian Coast Guard official statement, PTI reports, Hindustan Times and Times of India. Hindustan Times

Reporting: Epic Daily News

Note: The ₹3,000-crore figure is the reported estimated international-market value of the seized narcotics.