Gujarat ATS Drug Seizure: ₹1,800 Cr Meth Shipment Intercepted in Arabian Sea
In a major win against maritime drug trafficking, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), along with the Indian Coast Guard, intercepted a massive drug consignment in the Arabian Sea. This Gujarat ATS drug seizure led to the recovery of 300 kg of suspected methamphetamine, worth a staggering ₹1,800 crore, near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off the Gujarat coast.
Timely Intelligence, Swift Action
On April 10, Gujarat ATS received credible intelligence about an imminent smuggling attempt by Fida, a well-known Pakistan-based trafficker. He planned to transport around 400 kg of drugs into India via the Arabian Sea. The ATS immediately alerted the Indian Coast Guard, and both agencies launched a joint patrol operation.
Late on April 12, the patrol team detected a suspicious vessel near Indian waters. As soon as the smugglers spotted the Coast Guard ship, they began acting suspiciously. Before the authorities could intercept the boat, the smugglers dumped their entire drug consignment into the sea and fled toward Pakistani waters.
Dramatic Mid-Sea Recovery
Although the traffickers escaped, the operation didn’t go in vain. The Coast Guard quickly deployed a high-speed interceptor boat to retrieve the floating packages. After a thorough search, the team recovered 311 packets, each weighing about one kilogram.
Authorities suspect the contents to be methamphetamine, a potent synthetic drug. However, they are awaiting laboratory confirmation to verify the substance.
Spotlight on Pakistan-Based Drug Syndicates
This seizure again highlights the role of Pakistan-based traffickers in narco-terrorism. Officials believe these smuggling attempts are not just profit-driven but aim to destabilize Indian society. Fida, who has been linked to previous drug hauls including one involving 173 kg of narcotics, remains a key figure in this cross-border network.
Security agencies suspect a well-organized syndicate operates out of Pakistan, using maritime routes to flood India with illegal drugs.
Part of Operation Sagar Manthan
This operation falls under Operation Sagar Manthan, India’s nationwide crackdown against maritime drug smuggling launched in 2024. It involves coordinated efforts between the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and state ATS units.
This Gujarat ATS drug seizure marks the 13th major interception under the operation. So far, authorities have seized over 3,400 kg of narcotics and arrested 25 foreign nationals—11 Iranians and 14 Pakistanis—linked to previous trafficking attempts.
Increased surveillance under Operation Sagar Manthan has strengthened India’s maritime defense, especially along Gujarat’s vulnerable coastline.
Blow to Smuggling Network
While the traffickers escaped capture, the operation severely disrupted their supply chain. The loss of ₹1,800 crore worth of narcotics dealt a major financial blow to the network. Investigators are now tracing communication trails, money transfers, and the logistics behind the attempted delivery.
Forensic teams are analyzing the seized material to determine the manufacturing origin and transit route.
Why Gujarat is a Strategic Target
With a 1,600-km coastline, Gujarat is strategically located and often exploited by smugglers. Its proximity to Pakistan and access to major shipping lanes make it a prime target for illicit trade.
To counter this, Indian agencies have ramped up surveillance by integrating coastal radars, drones, satellite tracking, and fast interceptor boats. They’ve also improved intelligence sharing between local police, central agencies, and the Coast Guard.
Strengthening Maritime Vigilance
This latest Gujarat ATS drug seizure reveals the growing sophistication of international drug cartels. It also reinforces the urgent need for continuous patrolling, technological upgrades, and deeper international cooperation within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Diplomatic efforts are also underway to pressure countries like Pakistan, whose territories appear to provide safe havens for such networks.
Conclusion: A Major Win, But the Fight Continues
This high-value seizure showcases India’s commitment to securing its maritime borders. Even though the smugglers escaped, authorities successfully blocked the entry of a massive narcotics shipment into the country.
The Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard have proven their agility and coordination once again. As Operation Sagar Manthan continues, more breakthroughs are expected in India’s ongoing fight against international drug syndicates.
