₹3,000 crore of drugs seized from an Iranian ship in the Arabian Sea; 5 Pakistani nationals detained
The Indian Coast Guard has seized 526 kg of illegal substances worth ₹3,000 crore in the Arabian Sea. Video: @PTI_News/X
The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin worth over ₹ 3,000 crore from an Iranian ship in the Arabian Sea, officials said on Wednesday (30 Sep 2026).
Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were also detained in an operation conducted near Lakshadweep on September 25, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
Acting on intelligence inputs, Coast Guard assets conducted maritime air surveillance and tracked the suspicious dhow before launching a hot pursuit and boarding it west of Lakshadweep, it said.
The seized contraband contained high-grade methamphetamine and heroin, the Coast Guard said.
The vessel, its crew and the seized drugs were taken to Mumbai under armed escort for joint questioning and further legal proceedings, the agency said.
VIDEO | Indian Coast Guard seizes 526 kg of illegal substances worth Rs 3,000 crore in Arabian Sea, 5 detained.
(Source: Indian Coast Guard/@IndiaCoastGuard)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) pic.twitter.com/3elnu866Y2
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 30, 2026
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad.
The state ATS also confirmed the detention of five Pakistani nationals. The operation is scheduled to be briefed to the media later in the day.
The seizure comes as security agencies step up efforts to curb the international drug trade through the sea route.
The Coast Guard said the operation demonstrated its surveillance and maritime interdiction capabilities and its commitment to prevent illegal activities in Indian maritime zones.
The seizure would help disrupt the financial network of international drug syndicates and prevent synthetic drugs from reaching the mainland, she added.
‘Committed to shiled youth’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the joint operation and said “the Modi government is determined to protect its youth from the scourge of drugs”. In a post on X, Mr Shah praised the Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS and central agencies for “maintaining a stellar example of coordination and cooperation”.
the Modi government. he is determined to protect his youth from the scourge of drugs.
In a joint operation by Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard and Central Intelligence Agency, 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin were seized from an Iranian vessel in India’s EEZ, 160 NM northwest of…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 30, 2026
(with PTI inputs)
Published – 30 Sep 2026 09:14 IST