Nine Iranian nationals were nabbed off the Gujarat coast, while 100 kilograms of heroin, worth approximately Rs 500 crore, were seized from them on Wednesday. The operation was jointly conducted by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Marine Task Force.
Coast Guard officials said the contraband was loaded in Pakistan and was destined for Gujarat. As per senior officials, one Pakistani national, identified as Hamid Malek, had sent the consignment. It was loaded in the Iranian boat from Pakistan's Gwadar port, and was supposed to be delivered to a person in India.
BP Rojiya, ACP of the Gujarat ATS, received a tip-off on March 24 that an illegal consignment of heroin was to be sent to India via the Gujarat coast. It was also revealed that a dhow from Iran, which would be loaded in Pakistan, would carry the consignment. ATS officials then contacted ICG and Marine Task Force.
After searching extensively for over 24 hours, a suspicious boat was finally located. The ICG started following the boat and directed it to stop. Upon being challenged and unable to flee, the members of the boat set fire to the boat to destroy evidence. However, officials somehow managed to apprehend the nine smugglers on board. In addition, 100 kilograms of heroin were also seized from them.
All attempts to save the boat, however, failed, and the boat sank. The apprehended crew, along with the consignment, was brought to Porbandar and was handed over to the Marine Task Force. As per senior ATS officials, they have identified the received and he will soon be arrested.