A consignment of cocaine worth ₹1,150 crore was intercepted off the coast of Gujarat
In one of the biggest maritime anti-narcotics operations in Gujarat in recent years, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard seized around 115 kg of cocaine worth nearly ₹1,150 crore from a cargo ship berthed at Mundra port and arrested three alleged foreign drug traffickers.
Officials said the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs indicating that a large consignment of cocaine originating in Brazil was being transported through an international sea route before reaching Indian waters.
According to Director General of Police KLN Rao, the cargo vessel Europe was intercepted during the early hours of May 26 near the outer anchorage off Mundra in Kutch district after ATS teams moved in coordination with the Coast Guard.
During searches on board, security agencies found five bags floating in the sea after crew members allegedly tried to dispose of the shipment after spotting enforcement teams. One other bag could not be recovered. A preliminary investigation confirmed that the seized substance was cocaine.
Investigators seized almost 115 packages with a total weight of around 115 kg. Authorities estimate the international market value of the seized narcotics to be around ₹1,150 crore.
Officials said the seizure also yielded electronic tracking and communications equipment, including GPS devices, satellite communications tools and Apple AirTags concealed with the shipment, indicating the shipment may have been remotely monitored during transit.
According to investigators, the narcotics traveled through several international transit points, including Latin America, Mexico, the United States and Karachi, before reaching the coast of Gujarat.
A Tanzanian national identified as Juma Nasir Omar was detained on board the ship while two alleged recipients – identified as Nigerian national Kelvin Chukwuama and Ugandan national Bairunge James – were traced and arrested from Dwarka area of Delhi with the help of Delhi Police.
Authorities said another Tanzanian national allegedly involved in hiding and transporting the cargo escaped by jumping into the sea during the operation. Search efforts involving Coast Guard teams are ongoing.
Preliminary interrogation indicated that the cocaine was loaded in Brazil in November 2025 and hidden in the vessel’s engine room without the knowledge of other crew members. Investigators believe the shipment was intended to be shipped by sea before reaching other processors.
Officials said further investigation would determine the intended final destination of the narcotics and whether the shipment was intended for domestic circulation or further international movement.
The seized narcotics and electronic devices were taken into custody and a case was registered under the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).
The operation involved personnel from Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard, Special Operations Group (SOG), Coastal Police, Maritime Police and Mundra Port authorities.
Officials described the seizure as a major breakthrough against organized maritime narcotics trafficking and noted that it was the 15th joint anti-narcotics operation conducted by the Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS in the last five years.
Published – 28 May 2026 10:53 IST