Daring Speedboat Smuggling: Iranians Caught with Suspected Chemicals

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Coast Guard intercepted an Iranian speedboat carrying over 200 kg of a suspected chemical substance. Two Iranians were apprehended in this daring operation. The speedy vessel traveled from Iran to deliver the consignment mid-sea to an Indian vessel off the Porbandar coast.

In a high-stakes operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Coast Guard teamed up to intercept an Iranian speedboat attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of a suspected chemical substance into Indian waters. The duo onboard, identified as Abdul Majid and Abdul Sattar from Chabahar, Iran, were apprehended late Monday night.

Approximately 140 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast, the agencies seized 203 packets of a mysterious white powder, which has been sent for forensic testing. Initial evaluations indicate that the chemical could not be identified with standard heroin detection kits, raising further questions about its nature and intended use.

The operation was set into motion after a tip-off suggested the involvement of known Iranian drug smuggler Haji Fida. The Iranian speedboat, a rare sight in such reaches, indicates a new modus operandi among smugglers attempting to bypass traditional law enforcement methods. The arrested individuals were allegedly supposed to hand off the consignment to an Indian contact in Punjab, a link that is currently under investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)