Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS seize cocaine worth ₹1,150 Crore off Mundra coast
New Delhi, May 27. In a major blow to maritime narcotics smuggling, the Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad Gujarat jointly seized around 115 kg of cocaine during an intelligence-led operation off the coast of Mundra between May 25 and 26.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the narcotics haul has an estimated international market value of nearly ₹1,150 crore based on open-source assessments.
The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs provided by the Gujarat ATS regarding suspected smuggling activity in the Mundra anchorage area. Acting swiftly, Indian Coast Guard interceptor boats carrying ATS personnel conducted an extensive search operation in the region.
During the mission, security personnel detected suspicious activity aboard a container vessel. The joint team immediately moved to the location and recovered five bags that had been dumped into the sea.
On examination, the bags were found to contain 115 packets of a white powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine. Each packet weighed about one kilogram, taking the total seized contraband to approximately 115 kg.
Officials said the container vessel involved in the operation has since been brought to port for further investigation.
The Defence Ministry said the latest seizure marks the 15th successful anti-narcotics operation carried out jointly by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS over the past five years. The agencies said the operation underscores their continued commitment to strengthening maritime security and supporting the government’s vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.
