ICG Seizes ₹1,150 Crore Cocaine Haul in Major Anti-Smuggling Operation off Gujarat Coast

The operation was initiated after ATS Gujarat shared specific intelligence inputs regarding suspected narcotics smuggling activities in the Mundra anchorage area.

In one of the most significant maritime anti-narcotics operations in recent years, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), working in close coordination with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat, has seized approximately 115 kilograms of cocaine off the coast of Mundra in Gujarat.

The operation, conducted between 25 and 26 May 2026, dealt a major blow to international drug trafficking networks operating through maritime routes in the Arabian Sea.

According to officials, the estimated international market value of the seized cocaine is around ₹1,150 crore, based on open-source assessments.

Intelligence-Based Operation Launched Off Mundra Coast

The operation was initiated after ATS Gujarat shared specific intelligence inputs regarding suspected narcotics smuggling activities in the Mundra anchorage area.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Indian Coast Guard deployed interceptor boats with ATS personnel onboard to conduct an extensive maritime search operation in the region.

During the operation, security teams observed suspicious activity involving a container vessel operating near the anchorage area.

Officials said the rapid coordination between maritime and state security agencies played a critical role in the success of the mission.

Contraband Recovered from the Sea

As the operation intensified, the joint ICG-ATS team moved quickly toward the suspicious location and recovered five bags floating in the sea.

Upon examination, the bags were found to contain multiple packets filled with a white powdery substance.

Subsequent testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine.

Authorities recovered:

• 115 packets of cocaine

• Approximately one kilogram each

• Total estimated weight of 115 kilograms

The seizure represents one of the largest cocaine recoveries made through a maritime operation in India in recent years.

Vessel Brought to Port for Investigation

Following the seizure, the container vessel linked to the suspicious activity was escorted to port for further investigation.

Authorities are now expected to:

• Trace the origin of the narcotics shipment

• Identify the trafficking network involved

• Investigate possible international connections

• Examine shipping and cargo records

• Interrogate individuals linked to the vessel

Security agencies are also likely to investigate whether the consignment was intended for domestic distribution or transnational trafficking routes.

Maritime Drug Trafficking Emerging as Major Security Challenge

Officials say the operation highlights the growing use of maritime routes by international narcotics syndicates attempting to smuggle high-value drugs into and through India.

India's western coastline, particularly the Arabian Sea region, has increasingly become a focus for anti-smuggling and maritime surveillance operations due to concerns over:

• Drug trafficking

• Arms smuggling

• Terror financing

• Organised crime networks

• Cross-border illegal trade

Law enforcement agencies have warned that proceeds from narcotics trafficking are often linked to broader criminal and terror-related activities.

15th Joint ICG-ATS Anti-Narcotics Operation

The latest operation marks the 15th successful joint anti-narcotics mission conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat over the past five years.

Officials said the repeated success of these coordinated operations reflects strengthened intelligence-sharing and operational cooperation between central and state agencies.

The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to:

• Strengthening maritime security

• Preventing narcotics trafficking

• Disrupting organised smuggling networks

• Supporting India's anti-drug initiatives

The operation was also described as part of the Government's broader mission to achieve a "Nasha Mukt Bharat" (Drug-Free India).

Increasing Focus on Coastal Surveillance and Security

India has significantly expanded maritime surveillance and coastal security capabilities over the past decade.

The Indian Coast Guard has strengthened:

• Offshore patrol operations

• Coastal radar networks

• Interceptor boat deployment

• Intelligence coordination

• Joint operations with state police and security agencies

These measures have become increasingly important as traffickers attempt to exploit maritime trade routes and busy shipping corridors for illegal activities.

Security experts note that container shipping and coastal trafficking networks are increasingly being used by international drug cartels because of the high volume of maritime trade moving through regional ports.

Crackdown on International Drug Networks Continues

The seizure comes amid intensified anti-drug operations across India as authorities target international narcotics syndicates and cross-border smuggling routes.

Agencies including:

• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• Indian Coast Guard

• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

• State Anti-Terrorism Squads

• Customs authorities

have stepped up surveillance and intelligence-led operations to intercept large-scale drug consignments.

Officials say continued inter-agency coordination will remain critical in combating sophisticated trafficking networks operating across land and sea borders.

The investigation into the seized cocaine consignment is ongoing.